Man arrested in beating death in Wal-Mart parking lot

Las Vegas police arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with a Sept. 23 beating that left a 72-year-old Canadian dead, Metro announced Wednesday.

Ramon Smith, 22, was involved in the beating of James Northcott, 72, of Surrey, British Columbia, who died Sept. 28 at Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center, the agency said in a news release Wednesday.

Metro said Northcott was in his car about 3 p.m. Sept. 23 in a Wal-Mart parking lot, 4505 W. Charleston Blvd., when he was "involved in a dispute with another driver."

The other driver got out of his vehicle, battered Northcott and left the scene. Northcott returned to the hotel where he was staying and was later taken to the hospital, police said. Northcott died Sept. 28 from his injuries.

Smith was arrested Tuesday on charges of battery with substantial bodily harm and several traffic warrants. He is being held at the Clark County Detention Center with bail set at $6,900.

The Clark County coroner's office requested several medical tests to confirm the cause and manner of Northcott's death. The results of those tests will determine whether additional charges will be filed, police said.

Contact Kimber Laux at klaux@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Find her on Twitter: @lauxkimber.