News briefs for January 14, 2002

Monday, Jan. 14, 2002 | 9:13 a.m.

Pedestrian killed when hit by truck

An unidentified pedestrian became the fourth fatal accident victim in Las Vegas this year.

About 11:33 a.m. on Friday a 1988 GMC truck driven by Kevin Bridges, 34, was leaving the Hard Rock hotel driveway heading west on Harmon Avenue, Metro Police said.

As Bridges watched westbound traffic, the pedestrian crossed eastbound in front of the truck and tried to get the driver's attention.

Bridges felt the front tire run over an object, and when he looked into his rearview mirror, saw a shoe, police said. Bridges stopped his truck, got out and saw the pedestrian lying in the road.

The pedestrian was taken to University Medical Center with critical injuries, but died later Friday.

Police are investigating the accident, but said it occurred because of apparent driver inattention.

Small crowd sees annual event

Fewer spectators than in past years watched the 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade Saturday in Las Vegas, Metro Police said.

However, low turnout did not diminish the celebration of the slain civil rights leader's accomplishments.

About 30,000 people were expected downtown for the event, organizers said.

Police estimated that only about 3,000 to 5,000 people attended the event.

Task force seeks notice of input

Businesses and labor organization have been asked to submit within 30 days comments and suggestions for changing Nevada's tax policy.

Guy Hobbs, chairman of the Governor's Task Force on Tax Policy in Nevada, said the panel expects massive amounts of information.

In order for the task force to have an idea of how much information it will receive, Hobbs asked that organizations indicate within the next 10 days if they will respond.

The task force will continue to accept testimony and input throughout its review of the state's tax structure, Hobbs said. The task force is required to submit its work by Nov. 15.

The 2001 Legislature created the task force to gather public spending recommendations for supporting education and long-term public care needs, especially for the growing senior population.

Comments as well as intent letters should be sent to the Governor's Task Force on Tax Policy in Nevada, in care of the Legislative Counsel Bureau, 401 S. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89701-4747.

Victim identified near Tam Drive

A man found shot to death last week has been identified as 35-year-old Antonio Navarro.

Navarro was found about 2 a.m. Jan. 6 in an alley near the 300 block of West Cincinnati Avenue near Tam Drive.

Navarro was taken to University Medical Center, where he died shortly after arriving, Metro Police said.

No suspect has been arrested in connection with theslaying.

Anyone with information in this case is asked to call Metro's homicide unit at 229-3521 or Secret Witness at 385-5555.

BLM considers buying ranch land

The Bureau of Land Management is considering the purchase of an 80-acre parcel of private land north of Reno to help protect a rare butterfly.

Under the plan, the BLM would pay $300,000 to rancher Robert Marshall for his land in Warm Springs Valley and $100,000 for 25 acre-feet of annual water rights to enhance butterfly habitat.

Marshall, owner of Intermountain Cattle Co., is offering to sell the land in a move he hopes will allow him to proceed with plans to export water from the area for municipal use.