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twitterOfficers in fatal crash responding to non-emergency call
One officer was killed in crash while another is in critical condition
Mona Shield Payne / Special to the Sun
Sheriff Douglas Gillespie addresses the media Thursday at Metro Police headquarters on a single-vehicle crash that resulted in the death of Officer Milburn “Millie” Beitel, 30. Beitel was one of two officers involved in a single-vehicle accident while on patrol Wednesday night in the area of Nellis Boulevard and Washington Avenue. He died Thursday morning after surgery at UMC.
Published Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009 | 9:59 p.m.
Updated Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009 | 4 p.m.
Fatal Police Crash
Clark Country Sheriff Douglas Gillespie held a press conference today sharing some details regarding the death of Officer Milburn "Millie" Beitel in a single vehicle crash Wednesday night.
Officer Milburn Beitel III
Metro rollover crash
Metro Police said today that two officers involved in a fatal crash Wednesday night weren't responding to an emergency call when their police cruiser crashed into a light pole.
Officer John Loretto said during a City Hall news conference that the officers were investigating a report of a strong odor for about 20 minutes before the crash occurred. Clark County Sheriff Douglas Gillespie described the call as not urgent.
Gillespie said investigators haven't determined whether the cruiser had its emergency lights and sirens activated, but that wouldn't be required because the call didn't originate from 911.
Investigators today were still trying to determine what caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle at about 9 p.m. at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Nellis Boulevard. Police weren't identifying which officer was behind the wheel.
"But there was one thing we do know -- there was one car involved in the accident and it was our car," Gillespie said during the news conference.
Authorities said Officer Milburn “Millie” Beitel, 30, died at about 1:30 a.m. today after surgery at University Medical Center.
A second officer, who is 25 years old and has been with Metro for more than three years, is in critical condition at UMC, police said. His name hasn't been released.
Metro's Accident Investigation Team remained at the scene this morning and the intersection of Washington Avenue and Nellis Boulevard was still closed to traffic during the mid-morning, but was later reopened.
"They both received some very serious injuries," Gillespie said Wednesday night. "Right now, a lot of prayers are needed."
Before Beitel's death, Gillespie said the officer was "in very bad shape." Gillespie, who went to the hospital, said both officers had been with their families.
Gillespie said Beitel has no children and his parents were en route to Las Vegas from out of state.
Police said they don't know how fast the vehicle was traveling when the crash occurred. The posted speed limit in the area is 45 mph.
Douglas Sherman, owner of Boomerang Auto Works on Nellis Boulevard, said he was working late last night when he heard police sirens and a helicopter. He said he walked outside and saw the police car turned sideways.
The police cruiser was traveling on Nellis, about to cross Washington, when another vehicle pulled out, a witness told Wednesday night. The patrol car swerved and might have hit a pole before flipping over and bursting into flames, police said Wednesday.
Today, business owners and residents watched as the crumpled police car was towed away. Ashes and debris were scattered across the road where firefighters tried to put out the fire.
At least 25 Metro officers and Las Vegas Fire Department rescue crews responded to the scene late Wednesday.
Nearby resident Sharyn Mousseau said vehicle collisions are common in the intersection. Resident Michelle Shappie said another wreck had occurred yesterday morning on Nellis Boulevard.
The northeast valley was the target of a saturation enforcement effort in which police beef up patrols in high-risk traffic areas.
Metro traffic officers blocked off the area while police investigated.
It has been six months since another Metro officer, James Manor, was involved in a crash on West Flamingo Road that took his life. Manor was answering a domestic disturbance call when he collided with a pickup truck that was making a left turn. An investigation showed Manor had been driving 109 mph without his emergency lights or sirens activated.
"It was six months ago when I stood before you," Gillespie said, acknowledging the earlier crash. "Now here I stand before you again."
He said during the Thursday news conference that Metro has taken a "hard" look at police procedures since Manor died.
He urged the public and the media to have patience as the investigation continues.
Sun reporter Tiffany Gibson contributed to this report.
Discussion: 111 comments so far…
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It had to been a very bad accident. I was there about 15 minutes after the crash. 2 heavy duty City of Las Vegas rescue trucks were there (one from station 44, on W. Washington and Buffalo, in addition to 2 engines and an ambulance from Las Vegas and several AMR ambulances.
There also must have 25 cops there as well. They had the road blocked off from Harris to Lake Mead.
Prayers go out to the officers involved.
Yeah, something had to have been going on. To roll a cruiser, they had to be flying through a turn, or hit on the side while they themselves were going at high speed. Nellis and Washington is a typical city intersection; normally nobody should be traveling through there at speeds that would cause a roll over.
Comment removed by staff.
I feel bad for the officers but all the crashes the police have had this year is just ridicules. The police must have had to be yet again traveling at a high rate of speed to cause this crash. I did not here that another car broad sided them so they where driving to fast? I have seen police myself blow trough an intersection on a red light with no lights or siren on. I hope the police will tell us if they where on an emergency call or not and did they have there lights and siren on at the time of the crash as there police cruisers computer will say if they where on or not at the time of the crash and at what speed they where traveling. If I ever needed the police I hope they would be able to get to me as quick as possible but please turn your siren and lights on.
If it was a crown victoria, there is a gas tank problem on them. The DPS (AZ Highway patrol) had a suit regarding rear impact tank fires and required a tank retro-fit modification.
Was this a Yukon? they have a higher roll over rate. The idea an SUV is safer is not true since the higher rollover rate, and 80% fatality rate for roll overs.
These cars are too big, fast and gas guzzlers. A lot of Big Cities use cars governed at 100 mph. The Malibu gets better mileage and is safer, the Crown Vic is a 15 year old design and is do to be fazed out.
They also need cameras in the cars and black boxes with satilite tracking.
This area seems like North Las Vegas?
We also need to lay off about 300 police because of the drop in population, fewer businesses and tourists.
I don't see how the Sheriff has done a good job. but the hate-talk radio will back him, in its typical knee jerk fashion. At least he is keeping his mouth shut about the details of the accident.
This accident is bad karma from running off all the homeless in the area, what goes around comes around.
Let's start by letting the Police Department do its job and investigate this accident. Lets not assume that anyone did anything.
Second, assuming this is "Bad Karma" for kicking out homeless. Hey buddy, I have an idea, just let all of them move into your neighborhood, or your house? There are programs and assistance out there for homeless, but of course they would rather corner my wife while she is walking to her car, and strong arm her into giving them money.
These two Officers put their lives on the line, every day, without a second's thought. To say its the departments fault is shameful.
Let's reserve judgment all the way around,
To those who protect our city, Slow Down, the life you save may be your own, remember, the city purchased the cheapest car, not the safest.
So mred...do you think the police should drive around in Smart Cars?
I hear the Village of Goldfield is looking for an idiot. I believe you are more than qualified.
The smart car would be good. But Segway scooters would be better as well as Prius.
The area the homeless were camped out in did not have that many home owners, now the homeless have spread throughout the Valley, and many are in neighborhoods where there are homeowners.
It shows how stupid metro and the mayor are.
We heard the same crap from the cops about the manor wreck and the thugs at metro and their hate-talk radio allies were quick to smear Darling.
This car had to be doing 80 mph, to have flipped over like this. The notion a car pulled out in front of them and they swerved is a canned lie.
What we need is a civilian police review board of community activists, homeless and attorneys to judge these wrecks.
These accidents are going to cost Taxpayers too much money.
Also they should reopen the intersection, they are inconveniencing morning commuters.
How do they know a car pulled out in front of them? a dash cam? Maybe a homeless person pulled out in front of them?
Mred
The Ford Crown Victoria gas tank problem was only affected by rear end crashes. It has nothing to do with rollovers. Any crash where the gas tank gets punctured is subject to catch fire, regardless of speed.
25 Officers at a crash scene causes more problems than solutions.
Metro needs to correct these high speeds and the clustering at officer related incidences.
I'm extremely cautious about preliminary reports from LVMPD regarding these crashes. For several days, Manor was supposedly killed by a drunk driver before it was revealed he was driving recklessly. Cars get into accidents all the time without flipping over. I have a feeling speed will be the problem again.
Regardless, best wishes to the officers and their families.
"The idea an SUV is safer is not true since the higher rollover rate, and 80% fatality rate for roll overs."
80 percent fatality rate? Right...
The car flipped and the rear impacted a pole, causing the car to catch on fire. Regardless, the fuel cell modification would have reduced the possibility of fire.
They drive too fast all over town.
We need an outside investigation by the NTSB, a change in the vehicles and driver training.
The AZ vehicles have fuel cells like race cars which would have reduced the fire in an accident like this. (See Arizona Republic on google)
Malibu police vehicles would also help GM.
Once again, Metro would not let anyone close to the scene. Why? They had Nellis shut down betweeen Lake Mead and Harris.
The speed limit is 45mph on Nellis.
Prayers go out to the family of the fallen police officer and the injured officer.
Obviously these guys don't learn from their mistakes.
Condolences to the families.
go to crownvictoriasafetyalert.com
I guess they will have add this person's name to the list.
(on the suv subject: 30% of all auto fatalities are rollvers, even though roll over accidents are less frequent 7.7 per 100.000 suv, 3.15 cars this is why Henderson should get rid of the yukons even though they are 2wd with esc)
I pray for the officers' families. My heart goes out to them. I also pray for the safety of our nation's police officers as they do their best to protect us. We are all, under whatever "uniform" we wear, only human.
I've updated the people interested in CVPI safety and they will investigate. The fire retardent shielding package should have been installed on all metro CVPI's. Gilesspee is a bad leader who talks a lot about his officers but was too much of a wimp to do what AZ DPS and others did to improve officer safety by rquiring CVPI upgrades.
They don't even sell the panther platform cars to the public, just fleets.
panther: crown victoria, mercury marquis, lincoln town car
I hope the Sun investigates.
mred: YOUR car could flip over and burst into flames. It's not just the Crown Vic's. Please stop with your nonsense.
RIP!
That's a commercial shopping area, so surely there are security cameras which, at least at a distance, captured what happened. Mary Manning/LV Sun: I'd start by asking at the Shell gas station right at that corner. There's also a used car dealer there. See if you can view there security camera footage. If it's all already been confiscated by the police (a la the tape of Jim Gibbons having a Clintonesque bimbo eruption in that parking garage, two years ago), then we might have something. Or, maybe the tapes will exonerate the cops.
Very peculiar accident, though. I'm quite suspicious, like the others.
First off condolences for the officers.Seems that stupidity has its sights on metro too?Car pulled in front of them?YA RIGHT!I read 2 different articals on Gillispie saying 2 different answers as to why.Sounds like speed,and no seat belts to me?25 officers to round up withnesses and block everything off,2 heavey reascues,a couple engines,then code 3 to UMC.I really hope Gillisspie gets it right this time,and lays blame where it belongs,instead of trying to ruin another persons life with lies!Once again if indeed it comes out that speed and no seat belts are involved,and there was no one but the driver of the crusier at fault,just as any joe citizen charges of manslauter are in order!Its time for Gillispie,as well as all metro officers to "MAN UP" and take responibility for there actions!How can you inforce the same laws that are broken at anytime by metro?If metro wants respect from the people of vegas,its time they start earning it back!One good way would be to be honest about this accident,and TELL THE TRUTH GILLISPIE,INSTEAD OF PROTECTING YOUR STORM TROOPERS!!!
all crime must stop when cops are involved in an accident. 25 police huh? tragic accident, foolish response.
Okay let them drive around in fire/death traps, Metro people don't deserve the same protection that Arizona Highway Patrol DPS and other jurisdictions get? OK why spend the money on a bunch of idiots. what does Gilesspee drive?
I have an electric car.
Many of the people at Jones-town that were poisoned were children and old people, who did not know they were drinking poison or were forced to do so. This is why neo-Nazis like hate-talker Sean Insannity (pro-life?) is a barbarian when he make flip remarks about people "drinking the kool-aid."
Also, watch for a lawsuit against the automaker over this.
Comment removed by staff.
Look at the cruiser in the picture,and just how torn up it is.I would really like to know just how fast they were going?Im dieing to see just what kind of lies come out of Gillispie this time?TIME FOR YOU TO MAN UP BUDDY AND GIVE THE TRUTH IN THIS ACCIDENT!Another lie will show just how corrupt you are,and at what means you will go to protect your storm troopers!If it comes out officer at fault,and nothing becomes of this,its time for the people of vegas to speak up and demand that the FBI get involved and investigates Gillispie and his department of wrong doing and lieing on reports!
Question: How many LVMPD police officers does it take to investigate and assist in an officer injured situation?
Answer: How many police officers does LVMPD have?
Question: How many LVMPD police officers does it take to investigate and assist in a citizen injured situation?
Answer: None. The cops are all busy looking after their own.
Why isn't Getalife here explaining exactly why they needed "at least" 25 cops (and rescue crews) milling about the scene? KLAS-TV also reported numerous police cars going to and from the UMC hospital due to the two officers being treated there, many with they lights a-flashing.
Get back out on patrol and quit milking this disaster as yet another chance to loaf!
Maybe they should put their resources and energy into safety. Safer cars, procedures and attitude.
GAS Tank shielding
mred,no,if they had been following the same rules of the road as joe citizen,then they may not have been upside down?Also if we had a sherriff with some integrity that can be truthful,the officers may follow his lead?Oh wait a min,they already do!
I see Gilispie is keeping his big fat redneck mouth reigned in on this one. You can learn from your mistakes!
The NY, AZ and IL state troopers got the Nielson tank upgrade on their CVPI cars. The GM B bodies are a lot safer.
These officers didn't do anything wrong, they were victims of a car driven by a homeless person on drugs, who left their children in a hot car, and I'm sure the vehicle was being operated at a safe speed with the lights and siren on.
lv4life,he already gave 2 different answers on this one.If it turns out that they were at fault because of speed and no seatbelts,and he trys to sweep it under the rug,its time he resigns!Gillispie is bad for the officers,and bad for the department!!!
If any of you actually knew what officers did on a day to day basis you would have a much greater respect for them. The department is a tight knit group of officers who are protecting you from yourself and criminals daily. The fact that officer Manor was driving 109 is inexcusable. Officers are trained and repeatedly told to drive safe. Officer Manor knew the risks associated with driving 109 mph and he paid the price for it.
Sheriff Gillespie should have never come out and defended Manor and lied to the public, but he lied under the notion that what his investigators told him was correct.
The crash last night was indeed sad. Even if the officers were driving recklessly, someone still lost a son this morning. Let's try and be respectful of that. It will come out in the next few days if the officers were going too fast and if they were rolling code. Let's not assume anything and start playing the blame game. If you don't like how the department operates, run for sheriff.
RIP. Your a hero in my eyes. Sure is nice to live in a country where free speech is allowed. I just want to say my prayers are with the family, and friends of the fallen. I don't make judgements. Yes, those cops do watch out for themselves, good for them. When I go to the Mountain, for my last hike, I will be at peace, until then, stay safe.When your dying, and no one cares, that will be a sad day too.
mred,your post arent even funny,if this is your attemp at humor?So your telling me that it was the cars fault that it flipped and caught fire?How about the kid that got it in the temple,so that gun went off all by itself too?Face it folks,metro is way way out of control,and starts at the top!TIME TO GET RID OF THIS POOR EXCUSE FOR A SHERRIFF! GILLISPIE MUST GO!!!
rumrunner,
Do you even know anything about Gillespie other than what you hear on TV? Ever met him? Worked in the dept?
Our house is praying for you Metro and the families of these two men.
I have only had good dealings with police officers all of my life.
Always had polite officers handeling anything I was involved in.
I understand how "family" would respond and they are a family. They know eachother and love eachother. Right or wong, I will leave my job in a second if my sister, brother, my cousin, even my friend gets hurt.
How sad...what a loss
As for one that wore the badge,and served the public,it all starts at the top!And with the current sherriff in office he has disgraced the badge,and this department with his garbadge!I for one would be imbarressed to wear a badge in this town,and as for a few freinds in this department they are feeling the same way!
no clifton i havent.And have no desire to meet him either.As for if i know anything about him?Yes i do!I know about the airport incident?HIM, HIS WIFE,AND HIS DRIVER.I did serve under someone that is as close as you can get without being his twin,LEE BACA!LACSD.Look what that man did to his department!Went from protect and serve,to bust anyone you can!Sound familiar?
I have to say that despite his lacking in some areas, would you rather have Jerry Airola or Laurie Bisch?
Comment removed by staff.
ANYONE WITH INTGERTY FOR THE BADGE,AND RESPECT FOR THEMSELVES WILL BE BETTER THAN WHAT WE HAVE!GILLISPIE HAS NEITHER!!!
clifton7 wrote: "I have to say that despite his lacking in some areas, would you rather have Jerry Airola or Laurie Bisch?"
How about someone from outside LVMPD? Someone that can come in and clean up the mess we now have, and possibly gain back respect and trust our for cops.
Read the story people, before you comment. May gods blessings go out to the officers family and coworkers. I hope the guy who pulled out in front of the officer causing him to swerve and strike a pole or something causing him to roll-over (which is easier than some commenting here seem to think)stopped. He is responsible for the death of another treasured officer.
If it turns out there was no mystery car that pulled out,time for metro to come clean!RIP OFFICER,EVEN THOUGH I DONT WEAR THE BADGE ANY LONGER.LETS HOPE THAT YOUR DEATH DOSENT GO IN VAIN.
I am sorry to hear of this loss. We must all pray and offer help, as needed, for the officers and their families.
Since police officers also drive for a living, I agree with the comment that the NTSB should be called in. An outside review of training records and driving practices is long, long overdue. Perhaps we should consider mandating that all police officers have a commercial class B (or higher) operators license.
I also agree that GPS tracking units should be placed into all police vehicles with speed, distance, cornering and g-forces, black box recording capabilities, etc., as well.
What about seat belts, airbags, or other safety restraining devices. Are they used? Are they mandated?
Are the police vehicles governed below a certain speed as are most US vehicles?
It is true that police officers multitask while they drive? Just watch any TV show police footage and you will see that practice occuring. There have been stirrings nationally of making texting and cellphone usage illegal while driving because they are allegedly more dangerous that drunk driving. Can anyone see a possible similarity, here?
The public's, and the officer's, safety is tantamount on this issue.
I believe we are getting more than our fair share, nationally, of bad publicity on Metro police driving.
We better clean up this serious act, and fast.
I have to agree with RumRunner nice posts! Its time to admit the wrong doing and get these officers safety training! No more deaths!
I wish that, for just one moment, people would think about the family of the fallen officer before posting such insensitive remarks. The fallen officer was somebodies son. Can you imagine how they would feel if they read some of the comments posted? Think about it people!
Time for idiot Gillespie to be removed from his position
I am a department member and I GET that most of the public thinks that LVMPD is out of control and enjoy killing people, speeding and are just plain power hungry. So you all can go ahead and make monsters of the officers again if it makes you feel better. I'm going to go and mourn the loss of an amazing man and officer and pray for the other officer still fighting for his life. Nice to know we have so many compassionate people here in the Las Vegas Valley.
It doesn't look good for Metro. According to Gillespie, this was a self-initiated call, which means it was a non-emergency call, thus the lights and sirens would not have been on. This will be revealed shortly. So the next question is how a car in a 45mph zone can swerve and do two flips without hitting another car. So far, all evidence suggests speeding was a factor. With all the hand-wringing Gillespie did after the Manor accident and his promise to change police procedures, it looks like we may be right where we started. In my opinion, Gillespie should resign. If not that, then he should not be reelected. Metro would be better off with new leadership and a different approach.
hey reydogirl
just know that our entire family(parents, uncles, cousins, children. we are a huge family) say prayers for you all every night and fully believe in our department. I am sorry you have to read other peoples garbage at this time. i am sorry that their families will read these nasty comments. We mourn the loss of a hero and pray for the quick recovery of another.
from a group of people who love our hero's!
the other day I was exiting the u-haul at 3816 boulder hwy. when you exit out to boulder hwy it is one direction. while pulling out and looking to the traffic direction I was almost blindsided by a metro cruiser heading against traffic with his lights on but no siren. since you do not expect nor should there be any traffic coming against traffic there is no need to look that way. luck was with me and i missed the cruiser who was headed to some call at the motel next to the uhaul
First, If you don't like the Sheriff, don't place that on the officers. These men were doing a job only a few have the intestinal fortitude to even do. If those of you on this post hate the police so much, go live in mexico or North Korea and see how well you will be protected there. What I would ask those cop haters on this post, don't ever call them for help when you need it. That would be the most hypocritical thing you could ever do. However, I know that most of you who hate cops would s--- your pants at the sign of any trouble and will be the first to call. But when someone is trying to break into your home, or has a gun, make sure to ask the dispatcher to tell these officers to drive only at posted speeds, stop at all red lights and stop signs and not to worry that it is an emergency. That way you can send a letter to the Sun complaining the police don't care you are in danger.
darthbry - If you can read, and that is a big IF, then you would know that this was not an emergency call. Peace be to the fallen officer and his family. But the issue with Metro speeding through our streets and the competency of Gillespie is very much open.
If they were investigating a strong ordor, then why wasn't the fire department involved? They usually are supposed to be handling things like that. Unless the ordor was drugs, of course.
DTJ, wow I didn't realize you followed me so much. Do you need access to my twitter account?
Seriously, how should I know how many first responders it takes to work an accident scene. I do know how many idiots it takes to criticize hard working people. Just one to upset the apple cart.
My condolences to those Officers and family members.
The officers are still heroes to those of us who value what they do, day in and day out.
It doesn't surprise me that mred drives an electric car? He probably eats quiche for breakfast.
Tragic.
Perhaps they hire these guys when they're too young. Police should not be hired until they can get over that young male need to go too fast.
Speed kills. No matter what the occupation, no matter what the vehicle.
If I can read? being a prior auto claims adjuster and investigating crahses, it does not take a lot to cause a vehicle to flip over or roll. I do not like seeing civilians criticize or accuse, especially when all the facts are not known. It may have been another car, It could have been an animal or a pedestrian or who knows what. The fact is, two men with more courage than most were involved in a traffic collision, and one of these men lost there lives. For all you know Robert, the officer may have saved a persons life by avoiding a collision due to that persons negligence. So don't assign blame until the facts are known.
If the opinions expressed about this article are representitive of the average Las Vegan it would go a long way in understanding how Las Vegas got itself in the sorry situation we find ourselves in today ... and help to understand how we received our rating in the education survey.
To all of you questioning these officers or any officers...read the following.
Well Mr. Citizen, I guess you have figured me out. I seem to fit neatly into the category you place me in. I'm stereotyped, characterized, standardized, classified, grouped, and always typical. I'm the "lousy" cop.
Unfortunately, the reverse isn't true. I can never figure you out.
From birth you teach your children that I am a person to be wary of...and then you're shocked when they identify me with my traditional enemy, the criminal.
You accuse me of coddling juvenile criminals, until I catch your kid doing something.
You may take an hour for lunch and several coffee breaks each day, but point me out as a loafer if you see me having just one cup.
You pride yourself on your polished manners, but think nothing of interrupting my meals with your troubles.
You raise hell about the guy who cuts you off in traffic, but let me catch you doing the same thing and I'm picking on you.
You know all the traffic laws, but never got one ticket you deserved.
You shout "Foul!" if you observe me driving fast enroute to an emergency call, but literally raise hell if I take more than ten seconds responding to your call.
You call it "part of my job" if someone strikes me. But its "police brutality" if I strike back.
You wouldn't think of telling your dentist how to pull a badly decayed tooth, or your doctor how to take out your appendix, but you are always willing to give me pointers on law enforcement.
You talk to me in a manner and use language that would assure a bloody nose from anyone else, but you expect me to stand there and take it without batting an eye.
You cry, "Something has to be done about all the crime!" but you can't be bothered with getting involved.
You've got no use for me at all, but, of course, it's OK if I change a tire for your wife, deliver your baby in the back seat of my patrol car on the way to the hospital, save your son's life with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, or work many hours overtime to find your lost daughter.
So, Dear Citizen, you stand there on your soapbox and rant and rave about the way I do my job, calling me every name in the book, but never stop a minute to think that your property, your family, or maybe your life might depend on one thing - me, or one of my buddies.
Yes, me, the lousy cop.
- Author unknown
RIP Officer Beitel.
afspence86 - God Bless you.
tragic. sad to see an officer lose their life in the line of duty.
more sad, is the internal strife within Metro...and how the allow their officers to be "above the law". I know 1st hand as a family member/relative of a Metro officer.
RIP Officer Beitel
The odor is someone between Owens and Washington, Nellis and Christy ln. someone everynight burns what I think is railroad ties the entire area stinks giving everyone headaches etc. I hope they find these folks and throw them in jail. They helped cause this accident. Burn wood dumb--- not railroad ties. my daughter and I drove past that accident and we both believe it was horses illegally being rode at night. Mexican dancing horses are out of control in this area. I have almost hit them at night many times. HORSES SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IN THIS AREA!
afspence86 thank you. Well said!!!
afspence86 Thank you!
I guess no one can read. It was not an emergency call. In the end we will most probably find out that speeding was a factor. When the cops don't obey the law they cease to be the good guys. Mexican dancing horses? Must be talking about one of the slummier strip clubs in town.
The police Union must be crummy too. The NY AZ IL state troopers got the tank shielding after their unions filed suit. The side impact on the crown vic is only average even with air bags.
crownvictoriasafetyalert.com and nhtsa.org crown Victoria
Perhaps most disgusting is the talk radio mentality in this town that boot licks the police, the sheriff and the status quo no matter what. What happen to investigative journalists and commentators like Murrow and Cronkite? Where is the critical thinking? Why would a station brag about an uneducated nothing behind a microphone, who thinks his lack of education makes him smarter than everyone else. Obama is a commie, wmd was found in Iraq, Obama's birth certificate is missing, the US won the Viet Nam War. How much nonsense can one belch out over the airwaves?
Fortunately, we still have one or two people in the print media that that live in the rational world and can collect and analyze the facts of this crash.
Tuesday afternoon there was a metro moto-clown stopped at an intersection in the "MUST TURN RIGHT" lane, without employing any emergency lights and/or sirens proceeded to illegally cross the intersection on the red signal.
As long as these metro moto-clowns continue their blantant disregard for public safety there will be more Millie-Manors.
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afspence86- Well said! For the people with negative comments "ignorance is bliss"!
Union,
To finish your thought; ......... And they are the happiest people in the world.
Condolances to the families but if you've lived here for any amount of time and do any reasonable amount of traveling around the city you know a lot of Metro's finest drive like maniacs.
And to all those questioning the vehicle and what the police SHOULD be driving...there is already a purpose-built law enforcement vehicle in the works. Check out www.carbonmotors.com for more information and pictures.
looks good, you think they could order one or two on a test basis.
October 5, 2009 GM announced a new police vehicle based on GM Australia Holden motors G8 rear wheel drive car gminsider.com
We need Batman!
Somebody needs to tell those guys.... Lights and sirens pedal to the metal. No lights and sirens...drive the speed limit
There's no emergency or lights and/or sirens that justify becoming a public safety hazard -- ever!
: )
OMG....I CANT BELIEVE THIS...WUT IS THIS WORLD COMING TOO...ALL THIS LAW ENFORCEMENTS OFFICERS ARE GETTING INTO THIS CAR ACCIDENTS.
Make no mistake, these deaths aren't accidents, they are the result of a cultured administrative disease that tolerates law and public safety abuses that results in death by those tasked in preventing them.
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We live in a very fast paced world here in Las Vegas. Everywhere people are in a rush, not seeing what is right in front of them. Intranced by the environment. Serious crimal, alcohol and drug usage. Our Law enforcement by choice of a career, is here and hopefully will always be here. Before you do the blame game look in the miror. No one is perfect, What has happened to the human condition. I passed a lady out side the grocery store months ago and as I passed, I said hello. I noticed she stopped and smiled and looked back at me as she was stuned to have been spoken to. I understand her shock. Most people are so angered here they don't know how to react to a smile or positive regard. Our police here do have a high risk job and I thank them for the jobs they do. There is good and bad in any field of work. Are you the good or the bad contributor in your field of work and or as a human being?
Bravo!
You raise hope there still exists compassion in mankind within the valley.
I do agree there is a culture that needs to be shifted in the LVLE, Sheriff Gillespie must act now, and the city needs to redirect this trend of lost integrity with the people, LE serves.
Joe Q. Public: "I forgot to - thank you - Officer"
Police Officer: "let's hope you never have to"
It goes without saying, as with all our public servants, none-the-less, Thank You!
afspence86 and texas-girl, You are 100% appreciated by those of us who respect law enforcement. I worked in LV for a few years in the 1990's. Any dealings I ever had with metro officers, weather reporting a theft, or simply saying hello as I walked by, Metro always was as respectful to me, as I am to them. I know a Metro officer who is a fine man and a good cop. God bless the parents of the fallen officer who are on the way form out of state for what is no doubt the worst day of their lives. To all officers out there, Thanks for being there. You have earned my respect.
LsinLV
Its good to see someone other than myself has the guts to talk out about the "above the law"attitude within metro.I have said it a few times here that i am a retired officer,and yes there is a "above the law"attitude in every department.I dont have no reason to bash on the dept as a whole,but if you want the peoples support it starts within people!You feel there is a bad seed within your dept,it should be reported!Until you start cleaning out the corrupt officers,you will continue to get bad press from J Q PUBLIC!I work in a place where i deal with metro on a daily basis,and if most of you would drop that damn attitude,you just may get more better responce from J Q PUBLIC!
any death is sad but at the same time I beleave this is just karma for all the people merto has killed and gotten away with it.Also when will metro do something about all these squad cars that speed up and down the street with no sirens or lights on.Sad to say but merto carries thereselfs like a bunch of cowboy's!but whatever the case may that officer rest in peace... metro still needs to clean there act up.
Comment removed by staff.
Typical LV Metro here.
Yes, we don't need the facts even though it's days later.
We all know this dept. if a bunch of morons.
I'm amazed how people want it both ways!
When Officer Manor died, Metro made statements that were provn to be inaccurate. Now, Metro won't make any statements until the investigation is complete. Either way they get bad mouthed.
I for one would like to know what happened, but I don't want an incorrect version. Thanks Sheriff Gillespie for refraining from giving out information that isn't supported by the evidence.
Rummrunner:
sadly, the person in question has been with the department for over twenty years. he was befriended by his then mentor and Lt. who later became Sheriff. over the years he made mistakes, and one serious one of note was even covered on these pages; but instead of losing his job, he himself was promoted. he now sits as a Lt. in Metro......
the last time I got a speeding ticket for 7mph over in a 45.....I told the officer to write it and leave, as I KNOW he will NEVER write any other officer for the same offense.
it's good to be the king. 8^(
To all of LVMPD, and the law enforcement community: OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU !! Sorry for your loss and OUR prayers are with the second officer at this time. We must celebrate officer Millie Beitel's life and service. He was a local, he was a veteran, he was a fine Police Officer. Coming from a law enforcement family, I cannot even begin to imagine what these officers families, including their law enforcement family must be feeling at this time.
Please, do not post hateful comments now, let the community and family members mourn and pray at this time. There will be a time and place and another article for that later I am sure.
THANK YOU OFFICER MILLIE BEITEL FOR YOUR SERVICE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My observation.
Over the last 15 years, I've lived next to three Metro police officers. All three were some of the nastiest and spiteful men I've ever encounterd. One of them (that I know of) was involved in criminal activities. All three acted as if they owned the neighborhood and walked around like peacocks. Each of them were universally disliked by everyone in the neighborhood. Two of them relished the fact that they were a cop and would remind neighbors that he could "run them" any time he wanted. Was that a coincidence that two of the tree used the same intimidation technique? This all happened in very quiet Summerlin neighborhoods.
I DO SUPPORT YOU SHERRIFF GILLESPIE, YOU HAVE MADE A HUGE IMPACT SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN IN OFFICE, NOT EVERYONE CAN SEE WHAT GOES ON BEHIND THE SCENES, WE ONLY HEAR ABOUT WHATS IN THE MEDIA.
I HAVE PERSONALLY SEEN THE CHANGES IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA, AS WELL AS IN MY OWN NEIGHBORHOOD OFF WEST SAHARA. WE STILL HAVE A WAY TO GO, BUT YOU HAVE AT LEAST TURNED THE TIDE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. THANKS AGAIN !
According to Internet skid speed calculations a 180 ft skid would mean the car was going 65 mph, but since it was going sideways for about 120 ft, that would have slowed it down faster on dry pavement, so we might be looking at 71 mph, assuming the skid lengths the media plotted are accurate.
I'm glad it did not hit Buck's Tavern, and its good they have that brickwork around their patio where people smoke.
We hold evidence Sheriff Gillespie is out of touch with Las Vegas. For example, we looked Sheriff Gillespie in the eye as he looked us in the eye. We advised him of a letter from the US DHHS directing the State of Nevada investigate the "suspicious deaths" of Las Vegas children. Sheriff Gillespie responded stating,"(the letter) isn't true or I would never have received the Homeland Security honor from (US Attorney General) Eric Holder." Additionally, LVMPD report 1590 filed January 5, 2009 regaridng child abuse is mysteriously missing. Now wrongful deaths of Las Vegas children is sevenfold since the report. Recently, CPS fired two caseworkers for falsifying CPS and court documents. We call for the resignation of Sheriff Gillespie. The civil lawsuits are bankrupting our police force. YOUR RIGHT!
gentlemaster,
I have to agree with you to a bout 70% of your statement.As long as metro keeps these parasites in the dept,metro is gonna continue to get bashed!I for one have a suggestion?IF YOU OFFICERS WANT THE PUBLIC SUPPORT IT STARTS WITHIN.GET RID OF THE PARASITES THAT ARE GIVEING THE DEPT A BAD NAME!DROP THAT DAMN CODE OF SILENCE!IF YOU KNOW OF A BAD OFFICER,REPORT HIM!THE LONGER IT STAYS IN THE DARK,AND OR COVERED UP,YOU ALL WILL BE PUT IN THE SAME CATAGORY AS THE ONES THAT ARE GIVEING THE DEPT A BAD NAME!WHEN THEY PINNED THAT BADGE ON YOU,AND YOU TOOK THAT OATH,IT DIDNT STOP AT YOUR FELLOW OFFICER!IF YOU DONT HAVE THE GUTS TO REPORT THE BAD WITHIN,THEN YOU HAVE NO ONE TO BLAME BUT YOURSELVES!AND ANY BAD COMMENTS YOU RECEIVE WILL BE DESERVED!CHANGE COMES BY EXAMPLE,AND WITH THE EXAMPLES THAT METRO HAS BEEN SHOWING IS GIVEING J Q PUBLIC ALL IT NEEDS TO BASH YOU ALL AS A WHOLE!YOU ALL ARE HELD TO THE SAME LAWS AS ALL OF US DO,AND NOT ONE OF YOU ARE "ABOVE THE LAW"!!!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased and injured officers.
Does anybody know if they check for drugs and alcohol if a police officer gets into an accident? They should do this test to everyone including police officers to find out if they are on something. Just my inquiry mind asking.
And as to all the officers that have posted comments here,CLEAR OUT YOUR PARASITES,AND THE PUBLIC WILL BACK YOU 100%!But continue to protect these punks,and keep that code of silence you will continue to recieve bad press by J Q PUBLIC!!!
Have you ever seen a police officer issuing a citation to a fellow officer?
Shouldn't citizens have the right to choice their police services, if any at all?
With competing policing services perhaps citizens would actually get some protection from the lawless public safety hazards we currently have on our public roads.
: )
Have you ever seen a police officer issuing a citation to a fellow officer?
Shouldn't citizens have the right to choose their police services, if any at all?
Should citizens be forced to support lawlessness?
With competing policing services perhaps citizens would actually get some protection from the lawless public safety hazards we currently have on our public roads.
: )
The Gladiators and the Scribes
"There were two kinds of men in the room, gladiators and scribes. The gladiators had just come from the arena, still covered with blood and sweat. But the scribes were cool, alert and energetic. Now [placed] on the screen were the pictures of what had gone on in the arena. Oddly, the discussion was limited to pictures of faulty fighting. As the pictures were shown, the scribes would comment sagely, 'that thrust was rather weak', or 'there you could have advanced.' The gladiators, now and then, would try to explain that in the arena there is not time to think of all these things, that blood is slippery and the lions have their own ideas."
"The gladiators were now fighting in an arena they did not understand. The weapons now were not the familiar swords and spears; the weapons were numbers, words, rhetoric. As to these weapons, the gladiators were no match for the scribes.
The scribes retired to the safety of the stadium seats. The gladiators returned to the hot, hostile floor of the arena. They knew they had suffered at the hands of the glib, clever scribes. But they remained convinced no one but a gladiator understands the problems of fighting in the arena""
Author Unknown
RIP Ofc. Beitel
May God protect those who serve.
Teddy Roosevelt said it best: "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
Rest in peace, my brother, we have the watch.
A law enforcement officer died in the line of duty and he deserves our complete respect and his family and colleagues and friends deserve our sympathy for their loss.
We should all mourn him, the world is a poorer place without him.
LORDGLENMORE
"A law enforcement officer died in the line of duty and he deserves our complete respect and his family and colleagues and friends deserve our sympathy for their loss.
We should all mourn him, the world is a poorer place without him."
Really? In the line of duty? He may have been on duty..but he wasn't shot...he caused his own death.
Respect? Why? Because he was a cop? There are plenty of cops who deserve no respect.
We should all mourn him ...the world might be a better place ...you don't know (and neither do I)
It's time to stop characterizing these people (cops and firemen) as heroes until they do something truly heroic.
I do have sympathy for his family but spare me the crocodile tears.
It's allmost like some of you people want us to close or eye's to some of the things merto has done just because there cops.Let's look at it like this, thank god for one the cop dident hit anyone this time. just think what would, we be saying, had that officer hit a car with a family inside and killed someone else face it people not all cops are good cops.There are more good then bad but the good still cover for the bad so that puts them back in the same boat in my book.This police force has to have the highest number of police involed shooting in the nation..
TVEGAS: THIS IS ONE OF YOUR PREVIOUS COMMENTS ON A DIFFERENT STORY:
Posted on: Food -- and why so many go hungry -- on the table
Tom (Staff)
"You have to realize most of these posters are wing nuts with NO compassion for anyone but themselves"
(Suggest removal) 10/9/09 at 9:36 a.m -
You posted this at 9:36 TODAY, HYPOCRIT !!, insensitive to someone else's comments in a time when the community is mourning.
There are a handful of people that hang out on the comment section and make insensitive child like comments such as yours, all day long and on every SUN posted story. Just like little kids trying to bully the public. You guys are a DISCRACE to our community and PART OF THE PROBLEM NOT THE SOLUTION. Get a life!, Get a career!, Grow Up.
Someday you may find yourself as a subject of one of your own stories and you will see how compassionate the community is towards you. (KARMA)
Meanwhile we all await the statement from Metro after they are finished investigating themselves. Wonder what the over/under is on how fast they were driving, maybe 80 mph?