IN BRIEF

motorcyclist dies

Medication might have been factor in crash

A 46-year-old motorcyclist was killed in North Las Vegas Friday night after being struck by a driver who ran a red light, police said.

The man was driving a Harley-Davidson south on Aliante Parkway about 8:45 p.m. As he crossed the intersection with Centennial Road, he was struck by a 2001 Chevrolet Impala driven by a 65-year-old man and heading west on Centennial, according to North Las Vegas police.

Witnesses at the scene told police that the car failed to stop at the red light.

The motorcyclist, whose name was not released, was taken to University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Police said prescription medication might have been a factor in the crash. The driver of the Chevrolet, whose name was not released, was not arrested but could face charges when the investigation is concluded.

SCOLDED OVER BEHAVIOR

Reno man gets life in prison for bar slaying

A Reno man has been sentenced to life in prison for killing a man who scolded him for his behavior while watching a football game at a sports bar.

Dante Michael Vinci, 48, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the Jan. 8 stabbing of 44-year-old Kevin Daniel O'Connell. He was sentenced Friday by Washoe District Judge Jerome Polaha.

Witnesses said O'Connell confronted Vinci about his behavior while watching a football game at a Bully's sports bar on Mae Anne Avenue. Vinci had placed a bet on the losing team.

The altercation continued out in the parking lot, where one witness captured the stabbing on video using a camera.

RUNNING IN 2010

Three Republicans to seek legislative seats

Three Republicans on Saturday announced their intent to seek seats in the Nevada Senate and Assembly in next year's election.

Assemblyman Don Gustavson of Sparks announced he will seek the District 2 state Senate seat being vacated by state Sen. Maurice Washington because of term limits.

Henderson businessman Patrick McNaught says he'll run for the District 12 state Senate seat vacated by Warren Hardy, who resigned shortly after the 2009 legislative session. McNaught actually made his intentions to run known last week.

Tibi Ellis, who operates a home health care company in Las Vegas, announced she will seek the District 5 seat held by Assemblywoman Marilyn Dondero-Loop, a Democrat.

Ellis is chairwoman of the Nevada Republican National Hispanic Assembly.