Man, 82, killed in collision

Wednesday, June 4, 2003 | 9:29 a.m.

An 82-year-old man died after he was ejected from the rear window of his 1998 Toyota Avalon after a collision in western Las Vegas about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Metro Police were investigating the accident that left David Emerson McDowell of Las Vegas dead at the intersection of Hualapai Way and Alta Drive.

"Had he been wearing his seat belt, he would only have had minor injuries," Metro Detective William Redfairn said.

McDowell was stopped waiting to make a left turn onto eastbound Alta. A 1998 Chevrolet Suburban driven by Barry Bender, 19, of Las Vegas was northbound on Hualapai when the traffic signal turned red, police said.

The Toyota attempted to complete its left turn, but the Chevrolet accelerated and swerved to the left, around a vehicle stopped for the red light, witnesses told police.

The Chevrolet crashed into the right front of the Toyota and both vehicles slid northeast through the intersection, police said.

Bender suffered moderate injuries. Both drivers were taken to University Medical Center for treatment, but McDowell died at the hospital.

No charges were filed, but Metro was continuing to investigate the accident, the 48th traffic fatality in Las Vegas this year.