News briefs for Nov. 19, 2002

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2002 | 9:27 a.m.

Apartment security guard shot

A security guard at the Charleston Wood Apartments at Charleston Boulevard and Fremont Street was shot and wounded about 9:30 p.m. Monday, Metro Police said.

Officer Jose Montoya said the man, who wasn't identified, confronted several people about trespassing at the apartment complex earlier. Police believe the same people returned and shot him as he sat in his car.

The victim was in stable condition at University Medical Center this morning. No one has been arrested.

Assembly recount nearing end

Assemblywoman Debbie Smith's bid to overturn the election in which she lost by 31 votes is slowly fading.

Dan Burk, registrar of voters for Washoe County, said the hand recount of four precincts Monday gave an extra vote to both Smith, D-Sparks, and Assemblyman Don Gustavson, R-Sun Valley.

So she still trails Gustavson by 31 votes.

Burk said the rest of the precincts would be counted by machine today and that should be completed by mid-afternoon.

On election night, Gustavson tallied 4,627 to 4,596 for Smith, who asked for a recount.

Man found dead in driveway

North Las Vegas Police are investigating the death of a North Las Vegas man whose body was discovered in a driveway in the 1200 block of Heather Ridge about 6:45 a.m. on Monday.

Officers responded to a call and found Howard Davis, 65, lying in his driveway. Police said he may have been injured in a motorcycle accident earlier Monday morning.

The cause of Davis' death has not been determined, Lt. Paul Womack said.

Police are asking the public to help identify the site of any unreported traffic accidents involving a man wearing a black half shell helmet and riding a silver and red Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Anyone with information about Davis or the accident is asked to call the North Las Vegas Police Dept. at 633-1743.

Slain man's truck still sought

Henderson Police are still searching for a red 1997 Ford F-150 stolen Thursday from the home of a slain man, Officer Shane Lewis said this morning.

Detectives hope the truck will have evidence that will help solve the case.

Police found the victim dead inside his home at 124 Metropolitan St. after receiving a call from someone asking that officers check on his welfare. He appeared to be the victim of foul play, police said.

The home was ransacked and a pickup truck was missing. The truck has an extended cab and several stickers on it, including one that says "Lil' Red Truck" and an American flag decal on the hood, just above the front grille. The truck has a tonneau cover on the bed and bears Nevada license plate 667 MSH.

Anyone with information is asked to call Henderson Police at 565-8933 or Secret Witness at 385-5555.

LV telemarketer is indicted

A Las Vegas telemarketer who sold diet pills and other weight loss products nationwide has been indicted by a Clark County grand jury on theft, racketeering and other charges.

Deputy Attorney General Tracey Brierly said Monday that Brien P. Keith sold the products to hundreds of consumers for anywhere from $299 to $1,500. Some of the names of the products were "Xenatrol" and "Calcium Pyruvate"

Consumers said Brierly were told they could expect a loss of 15 pounds within 40 days without exercising and while eating normal meals, or their money back.

Many customers did not receive their money back when they complained.

Brierly said the businesses are closed and authorities have seized the records.

Keith, who could not be reached for comment, is charged with four counts of theft by obtaining money under false pretenses, two counts of unregistered telemarketing and one count of racketeering.

He is set to surrender Nov. 26 in Las Vegas.