Three Dead in Las Vegas Strip Shootout, Wreck

Feb. 21, 2013
During the chase, a taxi was hit and it caught fire killing the driver and a passenger.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A deadly gunfight between a Maserati and an SUV on the Las Vegas Strip caused a fiery crash involving a taxi that burst into flames. Three people died and at least three were injured early Thursday, police said.

The Maserati driver, the taxi driver and a passenger in the cab were killed. The SUV got away.

In all, five vehicles were involved in the dramatic pre-dawn crash at a wide intersection surrounded by some of the most famous casinos on the Strip, including the Bellagio, Caesars Palace and the Paris.

It started with people in the Maserati and the SUV exchanging gunfire before the high-end sports car hit the taxi, said Sgt. John Sheahan. Three other vehicles were involved in the wreck, but the SUV was gone when police arrived, Sheahan said.

Several people were taken to the hospital, including a passenger from the Maserati. Four were taken to University Medical Center. Hospital spokeswoman Danita Cohen said three were treated and released. The condition of the fourth was not released.

More people may be hurt, Sheahan said.

The gun battle was the latest in a series of violent actions on the tourist corridor since the beginning of the year. Two people were critically wounded in a shooting at a parking garage Feb. 6, and a tourist was stabbed in an elevator at The Hotel at Mandalay Bay on Feb. 16.

___

Associated Press writer Michelle Rindels contributed to this report.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Suggested Tags Topic: General news,Accidents,Accidents and disasters,TransportationLocation: Las Vegas,Nevada,United States,North America

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!