News briefs for August 27, 2004

Friday, Aug. 27, 2004 | 11:04 a.m.

Motorcyclist killed in crash

A 40-year-old Las Vegas man was killed early Wednesday when he lost control of his motorcycle on Azure Drive near Skypointe Drive in northwest Las Vegas, Metro Police said.

The crash occurred about 2:40 a.m. Police said the man was heading east on Azure approaching Tenaya Way on a 2004 Honda XR 650 motorcycle when he drove into the landscaped center median on a curve in the road and struck a large palm tree.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not yet been released.

Suspects sought in shooting death

Metro Police detectives are asking the public's help in finding two men in the shooting death of a 23-year-old man.

Two possible suspects were caught on surveillance video recorded before the shooting occurred at Jones Boulevard and Vegas Drive at 10:53 p.m. on Aug. 20.

When Metro offices arrived, Ricardo Rodriquez was pronounced dead at the scene, Metro Sgt. Rocky Alby said Thursday.

The police believe the suspects were on foot, Alby said.

Anyone who knows the identity or the location of either suspect is asked to call Metro Police Homicide Section at 229-3521.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.

Driver arrested in four-vehicle crash

A 31-year-old North Las Vegas man was arrested on two charges of felony driving under the influence of alcohol after the van he was driving collided with three other vehicles just after 6 p.m. Thursday, North Las Vegas Police said.

Sgt. Dan Ewing said the van, making an illegal left turn against a red light at the intersection of Cheyenne Avenue and Civic Center Drive, collided with a red 2004 Ford pickup truck and two cars, a white 2002 Mitsubishi and a maroon 1994 Oldsmobile.

The driver of the van, Jose Barreras, as well as the drivers of the truck and Oldsmobile were taken to local hospitals for treatment.

Barreras was released from the hospital and booked into the North Las Vegas Detention Center on two counts of felony DUI and various traffic charges, Ewing said.

The other drivers were undergoing treatment.

Death Valley opens more services

Death Valley National Park reopened more services as more roads and businesses were repaired. A a flash flood on Aug. 14 killed two people closed the entire park.

The Furnace Creek Visitor Center resumed daily operations from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today.

The Furnace Creek Ranch motel and restaurant and nearby Borax Museum also have reopened.

The Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Scotty's Castle and Stovepipe Wells Village have also resumed normal daily business.

Some roads remained closed: California Highway 190 from Furnace Creek junction to Death Valley junction; Badwater Road from California Highway 190 to Shoshone; Beatty cutoff at Hell's Gate and Highway 190.

Independent presidential candidate

Ralph Nader is to visit Las Vegas on Sunday, his campaign announced this morning. Nader is scheduled to give a campaign speech from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Las Vegas Library, 833 N. Las Vegas Blvd. The event is open to the public. Nader's visit is part of a 10-state tour.