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LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- As National Human Trafficking Prevention Month ends, the FBI Las Vegas hopes to spread awareness of the problem and remind victims there is help available. The FBI defines human trafficking as the illegal exploitation of a person. While often sexual, human trafficking can involve any form of labor or coercion. Oftentimes, that involves a person forcing someone to do a job under the guise of a better life. “Human trafficking in and of itself involves way more than just the sex industry,” Ray Johnson, assistant special agent in charge at the FBI Las Vegas, said. “The human trafficking element itself is best described as modern-day slavery: forcing others to do the bidding of someone else.” Nationally, the FBI reported nearly 1,700 open human trafficking cases as of this month. Last year, the number was closer to 700, the bureau reported. Las Vegas ranks No. 6 for the number of calls out of any major U.S. city to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, a report sai

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A nationwide manhunt continued on Tuesday after a man with ties to Las Vegas was accused of a violent kidnapping for the second time. Benjamin Foster, 36, was convicted of a similar crime in Las Vegas back in 2019 for kidnapping and assaulting a woman, but he was released nearly two years later. Benjamin Foster (KLAS) Benjamin Foster (KLAS) Benjamin Foster (KLAS) Benjamin Foster (KLAS) Oregon authorities hunt man convicted in Las Vegas for torturing girlfriend, holding her captive Foster's criminal record in Las Vegas dates back to 2014, with several charges including domestic battery. Grants Pass Police Department in Oregon describe Foster as extremely dangerous and said they had been looking for him for more than a week as he is wanted for attempted murder, kidnapping, and assault. ‘Extremely dangerous’ torture suspect served 2 years in Las Vegas jail for prior kidnapping The most recent allegations include beating up a wo

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- New Gaming Control Board member George Assad has a unique perspective on casino security that no one else in Nevada can claim. His son pleaded guilty in 2011 in the notorious "Bellagio Bandit" case. On Dec. 14, 2010, Anthony Michael Carleo walked into the Bellagio wearing a motorcycle helmet, brandished a gun, and made off with $1.5 million worth of chips off a craps table. A report in the Las Vegas Review-Journal said the robbery happened after Carleo complained that his father had cut his allowance from $1,000 a month to $600. Carleo had been using cocaine and OxyContin, according to court testimony. Assad was upset with Carleo's drug use and gambling. Anthony Carleo appears in court in 2011. (KLAS) Anthony Carleo. (Nevada Department of Corrections) Anthony Carleo appears in court in 2011. (KLAS) Anthony Carleo appears in court in 2011. (KLAS) A surveillance photo shown in court of the "Bellagio Bandit." (KLAS)

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Just over a month ago the National Park Service (NPS) asked for the public's opinion on several concepts it has regarding the future of marinas and boat launches at Lake Mead. One of the concepts would shut down all concessions and facilities. This is what triggered Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen to send another letter to the NPS asking that the ramps and marinas remain. "Whether you're a boat repairer, a Jet Ski repairer, a convenience store, a restaurant, a gas station, whatever that is, those small businesses are impacted," Sen. Rosen told 8 News Now Tuesday morning. "Our tourism sector is impacted. And so it matters that those boat ramps stay open." Future of Lake Mead marinas to be decided soon (Source: nps.gov) The NPS is supposed to be making a decision on its Sustainable Low Water Access Plan/Environmental Assessment this spring or summer. The NPS said this new plan is needed to: • fill an urgent and high-priority need to mak

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A fight between neighbors over a closed courtyard gate erupted into a gun battle with numerous rounds fired and two people shot, and it all happened in front of six children, according to arrest reports. Las Vegas police: Neighbor dispute leads to shooting near Doolittle, H Street Two women, Ronda Gibson and Tiera Strain, were allegedly involved in the Jan. 24 shooting and are now facing charges of battery with the use of a deadly weapon, child abuse/neglect/endangerment, and discharging a weapon inside a building. Ronda Gibson is facing charges in a shooting on Jan. 24, 2023. (Credit: LVMPD) Las Vegas Metropolitan police were called to an apartment building around 2:30 p.m. in the 900 block of Doolittle Avenue, near W. Lake Mead Boulevard and H Street. After arriving at the scene, one officer said he heard around "10 gunshots total, including muzzle flashes coming from apartment #104 towards apartment #103," the arrest report stated. Tiera St

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Six western states that rely on water from the Colorado River have agreed on a model to dramatically cut water use in the basin, months after the federal government called for action and an initial deadline passed. California — with the largest allocation of water from the river — is the lone holdout. The Colorado River and its tributaries pass through seven states and into Mexico, serving 40 million people and a $5 billion-a-year agricultural industry. Some of the largest cities in the country, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver and Las Vegas, two Mexican states, Native American tribes and others depend on the river that's been severely stressed by drought, demand and overuse. States missed a mid-August deadline to heed the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's call to propose ways to conserve 2 million to 4 million acre feet of water. They regrouped to reach consensus by the end of January to fold into a larger proposal Reclamation has in the works. Ari

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Scorching flames aren’t the only danger to firefighters. There's an invisible fight that’s claiming lives and the danger is in the very equipment that's supposed to protect firefighters. Cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters. Today, the International Association of Firefighters hosted an event to raise awareness. Edward Kelly, the general president of the International Association of Firefighters (IAF) is talking about PFAs – Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances containing harmful carcinogens. “The sad part is the chemical companies have known that these PFA chemicals are toxic going back to the 1960s,” Kelly said. “This never should be infused into the manufacturing of our gear.” The chemicals are absorbed into the skin and cannot be washed away. They can even spread in your house. Hundreds of firefighters from across the country attended today’s event where they learned how to protect themselves. But the danger doesn’t en

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- After nearly 20 years of serving the Las Vegas community, a non-profit medical supply store may be on the verge of shutting down. MedTyme medical supply store near Rancho and Jones (KLAS) Medtyme is located near Rancho and Jones and according to its founder, Rosalind Jamerson, it's survived through donations and also through her own financial support. The medical supply store gives people access to things they may not otherwise be able to afford, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, and even food. Medtyme also offers notary services, and help for the homeless.  The owner spoke to 8 News Now and said she now needs help to cover the rent. “I serve the most vulnerable people, seniors, families in need, and with the doors being closed people suffer,” Jamerson said. A GoFundMe account has been set up by the founder of Medtyme, Rosalind Jamerson, and includes more information for those interested in donating. from KLAS https://ift.tt/Bjpg8fX

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- An inmate at High Desert State Prison has died by suicide, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned. James Chavez, 47, died on Jan. 18, according to the Clark County coroner's office. The cause of death for Chavez was listed as "hanging" inside the prison infirmary, records show. Chavez was serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for three counts of sexual assault of a victim under the age of 16. He was convicted in Washoe County. He began serving his sentence in 2007, according to Nevada Department of Corrections records. The 8 News Now Investigators reached out to the Nevada Department of Corrections about the death of Chavez and to ask what measures are in place to prevent inmate suicides. In an email, a spokesperson wrote that there were no warning signs leading up to the death of Chavez and that he made no requests for mental health services. "All inmates have access to kites, emergency kites, unit officers, etc., if they

L AS VEGAS ( KLAS ) - Whew! We made it! Now that I-15 is back open between Flamingo and Russell, you might appreciate seeing - and hearing - *why* it was closed. Check the video connected to this story [above]. NDOT Project Manager Lynnette Russell explained it very simply for us Friday morning: “Sometimes you can have freeway traffic down below. But, in this case, we're taking down the overpass - a portion of it - and that will mean we'll have falling pieces of concrete and rebar, and this is really a safety measure while we do necessary infrastructure improvements.” One of those improvements may take some getting used to: Tropicana is back open - but with only two lanes each for east and westbound travel - and in what may seem like an odd and possibly dangerous set up known as a “Diverging Diamond” interchange, where traffic appears to be moving in the wrong direction. Just ask drivers who get off the I-11 at Horizon Ridge in Henderson, where they've had a diverging

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Some say street racing across the Las Vegas valley has gotten worse. In response, Metro police have created a special team called RAID, which is specifically designed to catch reckless drivers. It is a mixed reaction from residents that live along Grand Teton Drive and El Captian Way, as some say they have seen an increase in police presence in the area, however loud booms, popping, and marks on the road continue to be a major issue. Mike Herman has lived off Grand Teton Drive in the northwest valley for almost 20 years and said that within the last few years, street racing has become a constant problem. "I could guarantee you if you sat Metro up here for a night or two on a Friday or Saturday night, they could meet about half their quote," Herman said. This past year Metro created a newly formed racing apprehension and intervention detail team also known as RAID, focusing on reckless driving, intersection takeovers, and destruction on local roadways.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The sole survivor of last year's nine-car crash in North Las Vegas joined the city to honor those killed, with a tree planting ceremony Sunday. The ceremony was not just about remembering the lives lost, but also about raising awareness so something like this does not happen again. "I still hear the screams, the echoes, the cries," survivor Tiffani May Noel said. "Even my family saw me laying face down in the dirt when this incident happened." Nine people were killed, including seven from the Zacharias family when 59-year-old Gary Robinson ran a red light going over 100 miles per hour near Commerce Street and Cheyenne Avenue. "I think it's important for us to remember this tragedy, to remember the Zacharias family," North Las Vegas Councilman, Isaac Barron. Noel joined the City of North Las Vegas to plant trees in their honor at Craid Ranch Park. North Las Vegas tree planting ceremony to honor 9 victims killed in crash &

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Henderson police on Sunday said they detained a suspect in the discharge of a firearm in a neighborhood just south of the St. Rose Parkway. SWAT (Special Weapons Attack Team) and CNT (Crisis Negotiation Team) officers along with fire department crews responded shortly after noon to an area near 900 Seven Hills Drive and a suspect complied with direction, police said. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and no injuries were reported, police said. Police did not provide the gender of the suspect or any other information. Police called it an active investigation "with no further details to provide." from KLAS https://ift.tt/jUtKrnF

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- State Police are trying to determine the cause of a fatal crash early Sunday on U.S. 95 near Searchlight. Highway Patrol troopers responded to a vehicle rollover near mile marker 34 on U.S. 95 shortly after 5 a.m., where a man driving a black Nissan sedan was pronounced dead. In a news release, police said the Nissan was traveling northbound when, for unknown reasons, the driver "overcorrected the vehicle’s steering, causing it to rotate counterclockwise." State Police are investigating a rollover crash on U.S. 95 outside of Searchlight early Saturday that killed the driver of a black Nissan sedan. (Nevada State Police) The car continued to rotate and entered the center dirt median where it overturned and came to rest in the southbound lanes of the highway. Police said impairment is not believed to be a factor in this crash. from KLAS https://ift.tt/J28AtNE

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Metro police are investigating the discovery of a dead body near Spring Valley High School. According to police, just after 9 a.m. they received a report of a dead body near Tenaya Way and Twain Avenue. As of 6 p.m. Saturday, homicide detectives are still investigating the scene. This is an ongoing investigation, check back for updates. from KLAS https://ift.tt/rbUBq6d

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A Minnesota-based company is bringing high-speed internet access to areas in the Las Vegas valley that big providers largely ignore. Kwikbit Internet identifies itself as a disrupter in the industry. On Saturday, the company was at Pueblo Del Sol Mobile Home Park located between Nellis Boulevard and Boulder Highway. “Over 22 million people live in mobile home parks in the United States of America. If it was a state, it would be the third largest state in the United States. And yet, they have terrible internet. Not on average, almost exclusively terrible internet,” Kwikbit Chief Executive Officer Joe Costello said. The company began offering affordable Wi-Fi services during the pandemic as both children doing distance learning and employees working remotely struggled with quality internet access. Kwikbit was at Pueblo Del Sol persuading residents to drop their current internet providers. It offers up to one gigabyte of speeds that are equally fast for uploads an

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Candace Parker, twice a winner of the WNBA championship and the MVP award, is signing with the Aces, according to her Saturday post on social media. "After evaluating the landscape together with my family, we’ve decided the Las Vegas Aces are the right organization for us at this point in our lives as a free agent," she posted to Instagram. The Tennessean newspaper was among the many news outlets reporting the signing. Parker, 36, and 6 foot, 4 inches, went to school at Tennessee. She's played 15 seasons, including the past two with the Chicago Sky. She has averaged 19.2 points and 10.1 rebounds in 392 career games. Parker is leaving her hometown team, the Sky, to sign with the Aces. She played in high school at Naperville Central in suburban Chicago. She thanked the city of Chicago and its fans, saying it will always be her home and home to her family. She closed her post adding: "I’m looking forward to continuing the journey this summer i

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Metro said Saturday it is investigating the death of a man in the southwest valley as a hit and run. In its original news release Friday, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said a man was found that morning north of the intersection of West Hacienda Avenue and Brent Thurman Way with serious injuries. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene, and police called the his injuries "suspicious." A man with serious injuries was found Friday morning by Metro police at West Hacienda Avenue and Brent Thurman Way. The death is the 10th traffic-related fatality in Metro's jurisdiction this year. Metro's collision investigation section is conducting the investigation, and anyone with information can contact the section, 702-828-3060, or Crime Stoppers, 702-385-555, or crimestoppersofNV.com. from KLAS https://ift.tt/U7uF0kG

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Homelessness is seen in certain parts of the Las Vegas valley, but more and more people are complaining that encampments are now popping up in their neighborhoods. 8 News Now received a complaint from a viewer about an area near Nellis Boulevard and Vegas Valley that said the problem has gotten so bad that they have called the police and the county, but have not seen anything done. "You have to be vigilant and self-aware of what is going on just because there are a lot of homeless people that suffer from mental illness and drug addiction," longtime Stonegate resident, Glenn Diamond said. Diamond recalls the environment in the Stonegate community on the east side of town. He has lived there for many years but nowadays does not walk anywhere without his wooden stick. "I keep this stick as another reason not to bother me," Diamond shared. It is used as protection while walking his dog as he said the neighborhood has become a dumping ground fill

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The Nevada Department of Transportation has reported that traffic along southbound I-15 at east Flamingo Road is closed. It happened just after 5:30 p.m. on Friday. RTC of Southern Nevada reported a crash in that area and asked drivers to use other routes to get to their destinations. Traffic closed along southbound I-15 and Flamingo Road on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. (KLAS) Several viewers reported being at a standstill along the freeway on Friday evening. Police activity could be seen from traffic cameras along I-15 and Hacienda. I-15 freeway closure for Tropicana project begins Friday night The incident occurred just five hours before a major closure along I-15 for a construction project on Tropicana. More road closures on ‘Dropicana’ I-15, Tropicana construction project The freeway will completely close down late Friday starting at 10 p.m. between Flamingo and Russell roads and won’t reopen until Monday, Jan. 30, at 5 a.m., according to the Nevada Dep

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A Las Vegas police officer was taken to the hospital after rescuing a driver from a burning car. It happened on Friday afternoon just after 4:30 p.m. According to Las Vegas Metropolitan police, the driver of a white sedan was traveling southbound in the 3400 block of Las Vegas Boulevard when the vehicle hit a palm tree in the center median. The vehicle caught fire while the driver was still inside, police said. When the police officer arrived they were able to break a window and get the driver out. The driver and the officer were both taken to the hospital. The officer was treated for smoke inhalation. Some traffic lanes are expected to remain closed due to the investigation, police stated. from KLAS https://ift.tt/I1oyN3u

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Las Vegas and Nevada officials are reacting to the violent arrest of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols after body cam footage and street surveillance footage were made public Friday. Tyre Nichols videos show what happened in fatal Memphis traffic stop beating In a statement released Friday, The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill state that there is no room for a lack of humanity in policing in response to the violent arrest of Nichols. "Sheriff Kevin McMahill and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department extend our sympathies to the family of Tyre Nichols. There is no room in policing for the lack of humanity shown by the five former Memphis police officers. The brutality of Tyre’s death and the lack of intervention by officers to render aid is unacceptable." Senator Cortez Masto called for justice in a Twitter statement urging everyone to follow the call for a peaceful protest. "Tyre Nichols should be

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A 19-year-old woman was reportedly in critical condition Friday afternoon after being hit by a car while crossing the street, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan police. Just after 10 a.m. Friday, a 2004 Infinity G35 was driving east on Stewart Avenue approaching the intersection with Ronald Lane, near Pecos Road, while the victim was walking south trying to cross Stewart at the intersection, according to police. The woman crossed into the car's path of travel and was struck. No information was given about who had the right of way. She was taken to a nearby hospital where she remains in critical condition. The driver of the car, who was only identified as a juvenile, did not show any signs of impairment. Las Vegas police: Pedestrian killed in southwest valley crash The crash was the second vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Friday morning. Less than an hour before this crash, another pedestrian was hit by a car in the southwest valley, police said. That p

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A protest planned for Monday at University Medical Center takes aim at a hospital policy that requires workers to give eight hours notice when they call in sick -- or face discipline. It's an unfair policy, according to a union that represents health care workers in Las Vegas. "This is no way to treat employees, especially frontline workers who carried our community on their backs during the pandemic," SEIU Public Sector Executive Vice-President Debbie Springer said. The union also said the policy also forces workers to find someone to cover their shift if they have to leave work due to illness, but UMC Chief Executive Officer Mason Van Houweling challenged the union on that point. "Employees who become sick at work are able to go home immediately to rest and recover. There is absolutely no requirement or expectation for these team members to find coworkers to cover their shifts. This is the responsibility of clinical leaders," Van Houwel

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Concerns rise for parents at a local elementary school after they received a letter saying a person at the school was diagnosed with an active case of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). On Tuesday, Helen Jydstrup Elementary School principal, Christina Miani announced that the Southern Nevada Health District will be conducting testing of students and faculty in identified classes starting Thursday. Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that is spread through the air and can cause serious health concerns, according to Dr. David Di John who specializes in pediatric infectious disease. "It tends to be more severe in young children. Especially infants and those less than four years old. But it can be severe in anyone," John said. Confirmed tuberculosis case discovered at southwest Las Vegas elementary school According to John said the most important thing in a situation like this is early detection. "When you have an outbreak situation or a case in a schoo

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A move to make Juneteenth a legal holiday in the state of Nevada is being sponsored by the City of North Las Vegas, a news release announced Thursday. North Las Vegas recently made history by electing Pamela Goynes-Brown the first-ever Black mayor to lead a Nevada city. The U.S. Census reports that 22.1% of residents in North Las Vegas are Black. Goynes-Brown takes North Las Vegas mayor election as opponent concedes The effort to designate June 19 a state holiday follows President Joe Biden's June 17, 2021, signing of the Juneteenth federal holiday designation. The state holiday hasn't been formalized. The city is sponsoring Assembly Bill 31 (AB31) in the Nevada Legislature, which convenes Feb. 6 in Carson City. The holiday would be observed on the third Monday in June. Juneteenth (short for June 19) commemorates the enforcement of emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. 158 years ago. North Las Vegas was the first Nevada city to formal

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A Las Vegas woman allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian before driving away, trying to clean evidence off of the vehicle, and speeding back through the crash scene, according to an arrest report. Joanna Meza, 19, is facing charges of reckless driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, and destroying or concealing evidence. On Saturday, Jan. 21, police said Meza was driving a 2000 Toyota Avalon around 4:25 a.m. traveling eastbound on E Lake Mead Boulevard before allegedly hitting and killing a pedestrian. Police said that the victim, identified as 24-year-old Rakiyah Poole, was a passenger in a car that was stopped at a traffic signal near Lake Mead and Mt. Hood Street. Poole got out of the car and tried to cross Lake Mead from the north to the south when she walked into the path of the Toyota, according to the report. Poole was walking outside of a marked crosswalk and against the traffic signal. Meza is accused of not stopping after allegedly hit

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- North Las Vegas police are investigating a possible chemical exposure at a local charter school, they confirmed Thursday afternoon. Medical assistance was requested at Legacy Traditional School North Valley, located near Decatur Boulevard and Lone Mountain Road, around 11:42 a.m. for "possible chemical exposure," police said. One adult fell ill from exposure but was not taken to the hospital, police said. Investigators found that a "possible student" had brought unknown chemicals to the school in jars as a possible "prank." The school was evacuated and police remained on the scene as of 2:15 p.m. Thursday. No other injuries were reported. Legacy Traditional School is a K-8 public charter school. The school also has locations in the southwest and southeast parts of the valley. No other details were released. This is a developing story. from KLAS https://ift.tt/1657LYi

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery is the second busiest cemetery of its kind in the nation and the much-needed expansion could not have come at a better time. Currently, there are over 50,000 veterans laid to rest at the cemetery and this expansion will add over 5,000 burial plots and eight crematorium walls. William "Bill" Perlmutter is the chairman of the Southern Nevada Memorial Cemetary Advisory Committee. He said the support has been overwhelming as many Nevadans, veterans, and people from across the United States and the world have come to pay their respects. "Not too long ago they were running out of space for the veterans so with this grant being presented I would say it's been about 3 years in the making," Perlmutter explained. "Three to 4 years because they know we have to look towards the future for expanding the cemetery." The groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday drew in a big crowd ranging from state le

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The 1 October Committee is planning to create a memorial to honor those that died and to pay tribute to the victims, survivors, and heroes of that tragic day. One design out of five submitted will be chosen for the permanent 1 October memorial in Las Vegas. On Wednesday, the final design teams presented their ideas to the committee. "I thank you in advance for the work you will do and I ask that during your journey you take the time to get the know the 58 you seek to honor,” Terry Davis a 1 October survivor said. The teams included professional designers and even a Nevada-licensed architect. "Our goal is to create peace amidst the pain, we call this infinite memory," Derek Sola with JCJ Architecture said. "It is the ever-lasting memory of those who so senselessly perished that day.” Christopher Torres of Aaron Neubert Architects and studio STIGSGAARD said he hoped for more public input. "We want to make sure that all voices are heard

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Nevada Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto reintroduced a bill Wednesday to investigate if large oil companies took advantage of consumers as gasoline prices skyrocketed last year. Cortez Masto first proposed The Fair and Transparent Gas Prices Act during the last Congress. If the bill were to become law, the government would give the Federal Trade Commission specific tools to look into possible price gouging. “I can tell you just what the evidence tells me and the facts so far is that Big Oil has made record profits in the last couple of years,” Cortez Masto said Wednesday. "We also, and I also, know from that hearing from Energy and Natural Resources, when I was questioning Big Oil, that they are sitting on over 9,000 permits that they didn't even drill to put more supply in our supply chain to help lower those costs. Those are the facts.” The act would require the FTC, along with state attorneys general, to investigate “transparency to the oil and