IN BRIEF

NORTH LAS VEGAS

Struck by bullet in badge, officer suffers minor injuries

The officer who exchanged gunfire with a suspect outside a North Las Vegas apartment complex Saturday night was shot in his badge and suffered only minor injuries, police said Sunday.

North Las Vegas police said the 31-year-old officer, who has 71/2 years of service with the department, heard gunshots while on patrol near Losee Road and Deer Springs Way at 9:55 p.m.

The officer encountered a "suspicious person" outside an apartment complex in the 2600 block of East Deer Springs Way.

When the officer tried to stop the person, there was an exchange of gunfire, police said.

The officer was struck in his police badge. The suspect, who might have been struck by gunfire, fled the scene and had not been located Sunday.

Police did not release a description of the suspect.

Anybody with information on the suspect is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.

STABBED MORE THAN 20 TIMES

Condition of woman hurt in Thursday ax attack upgraded

The condition of one of the victims in Thursday's deadly attack by an ax-wielding man has been upgraded.

Monica O'Dazier, who was stabbed more than 20 times and taken to University Medical Center in critical condition, was in good condition Sunday, the hospital said.

O'Dazier is the mentally and physically disabled sister-in-law of the suspect, 33-year-old Harold E. Montague. Police allege that Montague, who was supposed to be caring for O'Dazier, stabbed her with a medieval-style battle ax in their home at 1609 San Pedro Ave., near Sahara Avenue and Maryland Parkway.

Police allege that Montague ran outside and attacked a 4-month-old boy and a woman thought to be his mother. The boy, Damian Avila Castro, was killed. The woman, Sandra Castro, was taken to Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in critical condition. Hospital officials would not release her updated condition Sunday.

Montague is being held at the Clark County Detention Center without bail.