News briefs for July 25, 2005

Monday, July 25, 2005 | 10:45 a.m.

LV man arrested in fatal shooting

A 21-year-old Las Vegas man was arrested Sunday in connection with the shooting of a 22-year-old man to death in the pool area of an apartment complex on Craig Road near Nellis Boulevard, Metro Police said.

Donald Eugene Mitchell Jr. and the victim, Edward Quincy Charles, got in an argument at the Eagle Trace apartments in the 5300 block of East Craig Road, which led to the shooting about 9 p.m., Sgt. Ken Hefner said. The argument might have stemmed from an ongoing conflict between the two men.

Mitchell was arrested a short time later after seeking treatment at North Vista Hospital for minor gunshot wounds.

Two surrender in shooting near club

Two men wanted in connection with a fatal shooting outside the Sapphire topless club surrendered to Metro Police on Sunday, police said.

Brian Baker, 29, and Jesus Vegas, 30, both of Las Vegas, were charged with murder and related offenses stemming from the homicide.

The incident began about 5:40 a.m. outside the club on Industrial Road near Desert Inn Road. Two groups of men became involved in an argument in the parking lot and two men were shot, Lt. Tom Monahan said.

Wei Liu, 30, of Las Vegas was pronounced dead at University Medical Center. The other was treated for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, police said.

Arrest made in Friday shooting

A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with a Friday night shooting at a shopping center on Twain Avenue and Palos Verde Street.

Roberto Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 45, of Las Vegas was found dead on the sidewalk outside the shopping center about 11 p.m. Investigation revealed the victim and a man in his 20s had an argument and the older man was shot, Sgt. Mike Thompson said.

The suspect was seen running south on Palos Verdes, then north on North Circle.

Police arrested Juan Alcarez in the 500 block of North Circle a short time after the shooting. He was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on a murder charge.

Hit-and-run suspect arrested

A man wanted in connection with a hit-and-run collision with a bicyclist near Red Rock Canyon was arrested Saturday in Pahrump, authorities said.

Truck driver Michael W. Reich, 27, is accused of hitting off-duty Metro Police Officer Don Albietz the morning of July 20, then driving away. He is charged with felony hit and run and several misdemeanors.

Albietz is in critical condition at University Medical Center.

Driver dies after crash

A driver died Sunday morning in a collision believed to be caused in part by wet roads and speed.

Metro Police reported that a 1993 Ford Mustang was traveling west on Flamingo Road just past Las Vegas Boulevard when the driver lost control, crossed the median and struck an oncoming 1984 Dodge van about 8 a.m.

The Mustang driver, Michael Stephen Melnik, 51, of Las Vegas, died at the scene. The driver of the van, Carl Frushon, 63, suffered moderate injuries.

Unconscious man found on LV road

An unconscious man suffering from critical injuries was found early Saturday, the apparent victim of a hit and run on Las Vegas Boulevard, north of Utah Avenue.

Metro Police said an ambulance crew discovered the man, Lawrence Scott, 57, of Las Vegas, about 4:30 a.m. Saturday. He was taken to University Medical Center.

Police had not determined what type of vehicle may have struck Scott or at what time.

Anyone with information on the incident may call Crime Stoppers at 385-5555 or Metro Police at 229-3128.

Appeal denied in 1994 slayings

The Nevada Supreme Court has denied the appeal of Leonard A. Winfrey, sentenced to life in prison without parole for the killing of two people near Sunrise Mountain in September 1994.

The court said Friday that Winfrey filed his present petition for a writ of habeas corpus past the deadline and he did not demonstrate good cause for his failure to submit the petition on time.

Winfrey and Travers A. Greene were convicted of the killing of Deborah Farris and her fiance, Christopher Payton, who were asleep. Greene, now 29 years old, was sentenced to death. He shot Payton, 19, in the face with an assault rifle and then killed Farris, 18, as she pleaded for her life.

Winfrey, now 30 years old, had tried to shoot Payton but his handgun jammed.

Bank chosen to process checks

CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn said today Bank of America, the state's existing banker, has been chosen to process the checks for the $300 million rebate to Nevada motorists.

The bank will subcontract with Moore Wallace to issue the checks, the governor said. Moore Wallace is the largest mailing company in the world and has successfully conducted similar programs in Washington and Minnesota.

State Purchasing Director Greg Smith said the state will pay Bank of America $1,385,409 for its work. He said the Legislature set aside $2 million for the processing so that's more than a $600,000 saving. That's the advantage, he said, of selecting the bank that has the existing banking contract with the state.

Nevadans will receive checks ranging from $75 to $275 based on their vehicle registration fees paid in 2004. Those with outstanding debts with the state Department of Motor Vehicle Department will not receive a check until the balance is paid.

Those who are at least 65-years old on or before Jan. 1 2005 and hold a valid DMV identification card will receive a rebate of $75 if they do not have a car registered.

The checks are expected to be mailed in September or early October.