Man killed, one wounded in shooting

Monday, June 16, 2003 | 9:53 a.m.

One man was shot to death and another was injured when gunshots rang out during a car chase through a North Las Vegas neighborhood Sunday afternoon, police said.

There were no suspects in custody late Sunday, police spokesman Justin Roberts said.

When police arrived about 2:20 p.m. at the Citizens Area Transport bus shelter at Simmons Street and Evans Avenue, they found a 27-year-old man dead from an apparent gunshot wound in the upper body, inside a dark gray Cadillac sedan, Roberts said.

The man's identity was not known. The Clark County coroner's office was conducting an autopsy and will identify the victim after his family is notified.

The driver, a 30-year-old man, was treated for a gunshot wound on his right hand. He refused to be taken to a hospital, Roberts said, and was treated and released at the scene.

Officers investigating the chase believe that the shooting victims were in their car in the 1900 block of Helen Avenue when another vehicle pulled alongside and its occupants opened fire, Roberts said.

The victims drove away with the suspects chasing them, police said. The chase continued west on Helen, then south on Clayton Drive, west on Carey Avenue to Simmons, and south to Lake Mead. There the cars made a U-turn and drove back north on Simmons.

The victim turned left into the rear of the bus terminal and through a gate.

The suspect or suspects in the second vehicle fled the scene, Roberts said.

The Cadillac was impounded by North Las Vegas police and will be searched after a warrant is obtained today, Roberts said.

The motive for the crime is unknown.

"This area is known for gangs and drug-related incidents, but what caused this is unknown at this time," Roberts said.

North Las Vegas Police are asking anyone with information regarding the crime to call the department at 633-9111 or CrimeStoppers at 385-5555.