News briefs for March 28, 2003

Friday, March 28, 2003 | 9:42 a.m.

Three arrested in armed robberies

Metro Police have arrested three men suspected of forcing their way into the homes of Hispanic business owners and robbing them at gunpoint, Lt. Ted Snodgrass said.

Juan Manuel Mendoza, 31, Ramon Ochoa Gonzalez, 30, and a third suspect were arrested for multiple counts of robbery, burglary, kidnapping and conspiracy. Police haven't been able to confirm the name of the third suspect.

Snodgrass said the suspects allegedly found out where the business owners lived, then they went to their homes and "terrorized their families," then stole their cars, cash and other property, Snodgrass said.

The first incident occurred March 7 at Alta Drive and Decatur Boulevard and another occurred Wednesday at Hollywood Boulevard and Bonanza Road. Another also occurred in North Las Vegas.

Robber sought in Binion heist

Metro Police are searching for a man who robbed Binion's Horseshoe about 11 a.m. Wednesday.

The suspect, posing as a customer, forced his way into a cashier's cage, Sgt. Al Cervantes said. He said the robber had a weapon and demanded that employees leave.

He grabbed money from the cash drawers and put it into a black nylon carry-on type suitcase with a handle and wheels, police said.

He was last seen running out an exit on the northwest side of the casino, heading toward the California hotel.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic or white male, between 35 and 40, medium complexion, heavy build and 5 feet 10 inches, police said. He had straight black hair and was unshaven.

Metro Police will be conducting DUI

checkpoints this weekend. On Saturday, the checkpoint will be from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. in southeastern Las Vegas, and the second will be from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday between Sunset Road and Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard to Eastern Avenue.

Metro Police on Tuesday

arrested a fugitive wanted for sexual assault in Chicago. Jonathan Hinton had been sentenced to 14 years in prison but fled and ended up in Las Vegas, Lt. Jim Moses said.