Tovin Lapan

Story Archive

Suspect in Las Vegas Strip shooting, crash appears in court
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The man accused of firing a gun while driving down the Las Vegas Strip, killing another driver and causing a fiery crash that killed two others, made his first appearance in a Nevada court today.
Las Vegas family presents 'perfect example' of need for immigration reform, advocates say
Senate's Gang of Eight unveils bipartisan reform package
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
If immigration reform moves forward quickly, it could save Martin Martinez from having to separate from his family in Las Vegas, and if he is deported, he could still benefit from provisions in a Senate proposal unveiled Tuesday.
Man arrested on DUI count after fatal crash in Henderson
Monday, April 15, 2013
A man suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol collided with two vehicles Sunday, killing a passenger in one car, and then attempted to walk away, according to Henderson Police.
Four months after seeing case against him dismissed, Romanian doctor again faces theft charges
Saturday, April 13, 2013
When it comes to at least one dispute over loans doled out from one lover to another, there is no quit in the Clark County District Attorney’s Office.
Officer tried to pull over driver moments before fatal crash
Friday, April 12, 2013
A fatal traffic wreck east of McCarran International Airport occurred moments after a patrol officer attempted to pull the car over for multiple traffic violations Friday morning, Metro Police officials said.
For Armenians in Las Vegas, a church to call their own
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
In 1994, a group of Armenian Orthodox Christians began meeting in one of the congregant’s homes for services. In 1998, when the Orthodox Armenian community in Las Vegas consisted of 30 to 40 families, the congregants officially established a parish. As their ranks grew and years passed, they were a nomadic congregation. This weekend, the congregation, which now counts more than 100 families, will celebrate the consecration of its own church, St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church.
Two accidents snarl traffic on eastbound 215 Beltway
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Two accidents occurred on the 215 Beltway eastbound near Warm Springs just after 4 p.m. and have clogged traffic, according to Nevada Highway Patrol.
Guitar lessons for unemployed offer more than just pickin'
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
It is 8 a.m. Thursday on a quiet residential street in northeast Las Vegas. One house stands out from the rest of the cream and beige single-story homes. In the back room, Miguel Curiel, 62, is giving his free weekly guitar class for the unemployed. Wearing a tie with a violin, trumpet and piano printed on it and a long wooden cross necklace, he swings a conductor’s baton to keep the class in time.
With viewers increasing, Hispanic TV networks drawing more than passing interest from advertisers
Monday, April 8, 2013
In “El Capo 2,” one of the first original shows on new U.S. Spanish-language network MundoFox, a Colombian drug kingpin fights off challenges from all sides, the U.S. authorities, rival cartels in Mexico and the victims of his violence. The show, from its origins and target audience to its plot, is emblematic of the escalating battle over Hispanic television viewers in the United States.
Two women arrested in shooting of man who stumbled onto burglary, police say
Friday, April 5, 2013
Two women have been arrested in the March 7 shooting of a man who interrupted a burglary at his son’s house, Metro Police said.
Immigration in brief: News from Capitol Hill and elsewhere as immigration reform moves forward
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Right now immigration is more at the forefront of public policy discussion than at any time since the debate over immigration reform in 2007. Here is a round up of the latest in immigration news.
Driver’s privilege bill receives broad support at Nevada Senate committee hearing
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
A procession of supporters favoring creation of a Nevada driver’s privilege card testified before the Nevada Senate Transportation Committee Wednesday, emphasizing the public safety benefits of such a policy.
Thanks to two Girl Scouts, new foster children get guide to intimidating system
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
It’s a tough but essential question for anyone advocating for Nevada’s foster children: How do you make children aware of their rights, and empower them, without overwhelming them and causing panic when they have just been taken from their home?
Brooks arrested in California after police chase
Police use dog, Taser to subdue former Nevada assemblyman
Friday, March 29, 2013
On the night he was expelled from the Nevada Legislature, former Assemblyman Steven Brooks was arrested after leading police on a chase near Barstow, Calif.
Q&A: Laura Espinosa, Mexico’s new deputy consul to Las Vegas
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Twenty years ago, Laura Espinosa was working in the Mexican Consulate in Salt Lake City. Her niece’s birthday was approaching and Espinosa asked what she wanted. Her niece, at just 7 years old, blurted out: “Las Vegas!” Apparently the lights of Las Vegas had captured the young girl’s imagination. So, Espinosa brought the young girl to Southern Nevada. Then, her niece asked for a trip to Las Vegas the next year, and the next. Every year of Espinosa’s five-year stint in Salt Lake City, she visited Vegas with her niece.
Suspect in shootout with Mesquite Police identified
Friday, March 22, 2013
Authorities have identified the the suspect in a shootout with Mesquite Police on Thursday morning that left an officer and the suspect injured.
Two wounded in shooting on Las Vegas street corner
Friday, March 22, 2013
Two people were wounded in a shooting late Thursday after a confrontation among a group of people on a Las Vegas street corner, Metro Police said.
Man, 75, dies when car runs into bridge pillar
Friday, March 22, 2013
A 75-year-old man crashed into a bridge pillar while driving south on U.S. 95 early Friday and died from injuries sustained in the accident, the Nevada Highway Patrol reported.
Family of five flees fire at mobile home
Friday, March 22, 2013
Two adults and three children fled their mobile home early Friday when it caught fire, according to Las Vegas Fire and Rescue officials.
Bill would allow immigrants without legal residency to get insurance, drive legally
Monday, March 18, 2013
Nevada lawmakers on Monday took some ideas from their neighbors in Utah, with the introduction of a bill that would allow immigrants without legal residency to obtain driver’s privilege cards. Senate Majority Leader Mo Denis said the bill, which has bipartisan support, addressed a serious public safety issue and hopefully would reduce the number of uninsured and untested drivers on the roads.
Two people flown to Las Vegas hospital after motorcycle crash
Friday, March 15, 2013
Two people were airlifted to a hospital after a motorcycle accident Friday near the western fringe of Clark County. The Nevada Highway Patrol received a report at 11:23 a.m. of the crash involving a BMW motorcycle.
Cars broken into while parked near hiking trails
Friday, March 15, 2013
Authorities are advising visitors to Lake Mead National Recreation Area to be alert and secure their belongings after a series of vehicle break-ins in the area.
Road closed after stolen truck crashes, spills chlorine canisters
Friday, March 15, 2013
A stolen pick-up truck with a trailer attached dumped canisters of chlorine tablets onto Desert Inn Road early Friday after the thief had an accident, Metro Police said.
Suspect in Strip shooting, crash fights extradition to Nevada
Thursday, March 14, 2013
It could be months before Strip shooting suspect Ammar Harris is brought back to Nevada to face trial. On Thursday, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, with collaboration from its Clark County counterpart, successfully established the identity of the Strip shooting suspect, who has been in custody since March 1.
Further delays possible, but experts say extradition nearly inevitable for suspect in Las Vegas Strip shooting
Thursday, March 14, 2013
If all goes according to prosecutors’ plans, the man police say is responsible for the deaths of three people last month after a shooting on the Las Vegas Strip will be returned to Nevada from California as early as this afternoon.
Pimp subculture filled with money, manipulation, violence
Monday, March 11, 2013
Alisha was 17 years old when she was kicked out of school, lost a basketball scholarship and subsequently was recruited into prostitution by Raymond Sharpe. Sharpe, by that time, was already a pro at picking up teenage girls and trafficking them throughout the country as prostitutes, according to court records.
Thieves swipe a pair of Super Bowl rings during break-in at Henderson home of former 49er
Friday, March 8, 2013
Burglars broke down the front door at the home of former San Francisco 49ers kicker Mike Cofer and went straight for the gut, taking his two Super Bowl rings and a few other items.
Authorities ID Henderson woman gunned down by ex-husband
Friday, March 8, 2013
The Clark County Coroner's Office has identified the victim in what was reported as a murder-suicide Tuesday in Henderson, but not the suspect.
Valley hit with rain, sleet, snow; NASCAR qualifying KO'd
Friday, March 8, 2013
Mountain lovers should grab their skis and snowboards, and those who prefer the valley should not fret; snow is falling on Mt. Charleston and the rain will not wash out the whole weekend.
Authorities arrest ex-girlfriend of man killed in Strip shooting, crash
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
A former girlfriend of Kenneth Cherry Jr., one of the victims in the Feb. 21 shooting and fiery car crash on the Las Vegas Strip, has been arrested on an alleged parole violation, according to Metro Police.
Pit bull bites 2 people as man tries to break up dog fight
Friday, March 1, 2013
Two people were bitten by a pit bull Thursday afternoon when a man tried to break up a fight between a pair of dogs, city of Henderson spokesman Keith Paul said.
Two residents displaced by fire at apartment complex
Friday, March 1, 2013
An apartment fire in east Las Vegas displaced two seniors and did an estimated $50,000 damage, but nobody was injured, Las Vegas Fire and Rescue officials said.
Metro Police report sheds light on details of fatal Strip shooting
Suspect Ammar Harris went to Haze before arguing with victim outside casino
Friday, March 1, 2013
Ammar Harris went to Haze nightclub at Aria before arguing with Kenneth Cherry Jr. outside the casino and then opening fire on the Strip, killing Cherry and two others, documents from Metro Police released Thursday allege.
DA might seek death penalty for Strip-shooting suspect arrested in LA
Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said the suspect in the Strip shooting that left three dead demonstrated “reckless disregard for human life,” and would not rule out seeking the death penalty after the man’s arrest Thursday in Los Angeles. Ammar Harris, 26, was found at an apartment complex in North Hollywood.
Range Rover passenger located out of state
Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013
The person of interest in last week’s shooting on the Strip sought by detectives was located Wednesday night out of Nevada, Metro Police said. Police didn’t specify where Tineesha Lashun Howard – who also goes by Yenesis Alfonzo – was found but did say she was located about 8:30 p.m.
Watchdog group says system allows employers to take advantage of immigrant workers
Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013
The current immigration system is manipulated to deny rights afforded under federal labor law to immigrants who are not legally eligible to work but are employed nevertheless, an advocacy organization says. The National Employment Law Project,a national advocacy organization that focuses on employment rights of low-income workers, released a report Tuesday detailing ways in which employers take advantage of workers lacking legal status.
Man shot in head, killed near UNLV campus
Friday, Feb. 22, 2013
Metro Police are searching for at least two men in connection with a fatal shooting that happened shortly before noon, just east of the UNLV campus. Metro Police received reports about 11:40 a.m. of a shooting at East Harmon Avenue and Spencer Street.
Reward offered in fire at Muslim mortuary construction site
Friday, Feb. 22, 2013
A year after a devastating fire at a construction site where a Muslim mortuary was being built, the bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the Clark County Fire Department are offering a reward to spur the investigation.
McCarran Magic: Two travelers share stories of strangers coming to their aid
Friday, Feb. 22, 2013
Don’t say anything bad about Las Vegans to Brittany Dewitt and Paul Chapman. The two travelers came through McCarran International Airport 11 days apart in February, and they both wound up with tales of hair-pulling panic that ended with the acts of strangers rescuing them and reinforcing their faith in humankind.
Horsford, community organizations coming together to support immigration reform
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013
U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford joined with officials from an array of Las Vegas community organizations Tuesday morning to express support for passing immigration reform legislation this year.
Nevada’s Hispanics come of age politically
Community looks to build on success found by candidates for state posts
Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013
More than 125 years ago, after the 1874 elections, Pablo Laveaga became the first Hispanic ever elected to the Nevada Legislature, representing Humboldt County. The next Hispanic legislator in Nevada came 70 years later. The third was not elected until another 38 years had passed. Recently, however, thanks to changes in the state’s demographics and opportunities that have come from tweaks in the state electoral system, Hispanics have been getting elected at a much faster pace.
Woman found dead in trash bin was headed to casino, mother says
Friday, Feb. 15, 2013
The mother of a 28-year-old Las Vegas woman found dead in a garbage bin Tuesday, said her daughter was last seen late Saturday night before heading to a casino.
Metro Police investigate death at Las Vegas apartment complex
Friday, Feb. 15, 2013
Metro Police homicide detectives are investigating the death of a woman reported at a Las Vegas apartment complex early Friday.
Climber taken to hospital after fall at Red Rock
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013
A climber who fell at Red Rock National Conservation Area early Wednesday has been transported to an area hospital, according to Metro Police. A report was received about 11:40 a.m. of a male in his 20s who had fallen.
National union campaign backing immigration reform launches in Las Vegas
Monday, Feb. 11, 2013
National and local union workers rallied today in Las Vegas, promising to throw the weight of organized labor behind a push for U.S. immigration reform. “(Immigration reform) is a national priority for the labor movement,” Maria Elena Durazo, secretary-treasurer of Los Angeles County Labor Federation, told union members gathered Monday at the Cashman Center.
Young immigrant discusses life outside the shadows, president’s recognition
Vegas resident Alan Aleman featured in Obama immigration speech
Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013
In the excitement of the moment Alan Aleman did not capture all of the little details, and he struggles to recall them now. President Barack Obama held up Aleman as an example of just the kind of immigrant that deserves a chance to make a life in the United States during a recent speech at Del Sol High School.
Tip line established for info on ex-LA cop
Friday, Feb. 8, 2013
A tip line has been established to take calls from anyone with information pertaining to Christopher Dorner, the former Los Angeles police officer wanted in connection with multiple slayings.
Unions come to embrace immigration reform
Culinary Union, similar groups led the way to change of heart on issue
Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013
Until the start of the millennium, the AFL-CIO openly opposed immigrants living and working in the country illegally. In 2000, the group’s executive council voted to endorse a new policy including a path to citizenship. The shift occurred for a variety of reasons, labor analysts say, and is reflective of changing union membership levels and demographics.
Jewelry theft captured on video; thief captured by working reporter
Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013
A reporter for the Univision affiliate in Las Vegas, KINC, was accosted by a man who stole a necklace right off his neck and then fled. The reporter was working at the time and the entire incident was caught on camera.
Closed landfill's makeover complete; officials hail project ridding landscape of malodorous eyesore
Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013
Standing on the Sunrise Landfill, a 440-acre swath of terraced land on the eastern fringes of the valley, one immediately notices the spectacular panorama, highlighted by the Strip skyline and snow-capped Mount Charleston. Not noticeable are the 18 million cubic yards of waste buried there beneath dirt and rock. A former stench, which overwhelmed politicians and officials who toured the site 15 years ago and elicited numerous complaints from neighbors, no longer can be detected.