I-Team: 'This was beyond a bad situation,' Disturbing prison riot details uncovered

Monday, May 16th, 2022, 10:58pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The 8 News Now I-Team has uncovered disturbing details about what appears to be a cover-up at Southern Desert Correctional Center.

On December 8, inmates at the medium-security prison caused a riot.

Later that day, the State Department of Corrections issued a press release calling what unfolded a disturbance.

SouthernDesertDisturbance Download

Paul Lunkwitz is the president of a union that represents correctional officers and described his thoughts on the incident.

"Every officer who saw that was like this is the biggest slap in the face I've ever seen in my life," Lunkwitz said. "This was beyond a bad situation."... Read More

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Monday, May 16th, 2022, 10:52pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Friends and family came together to honor the life of a 31-year-old Las Vegas man killed over the weekend while riding his bike.

On Sunday, Benjamin Black was on a ride when he was struck by a speeding black SUV. He was rushed to the hospital where he later died.

Black was riding his bike in the community of Tule Springs, a newly built development he helped create as he worked for the KB Home building company.

On Monday, a candlelight vigil was held in Ben's honor and his uncle Ken said a few words.

"He has a little son and a daughter on the way, so for his life to be pulled out from everybody is just a tragic situation," said Ben's uncle, Ken.

Aleneia Santos is a resident who lives nearby and says after seeing what happened to Ben, she fears for her own son who rides his bike up and down the street frequently... Read More

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Monday, May 16th, 2022, 10:38pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Churches have been a target for active shooters before, and Sunday's incident was just a reminder of how vulnerable places of worship can be if they aren't prepared.

Police say 68-year-old Las Vegas Resident David Choi opened fire at Taiwanese churchgoers over the weekend, but one attendee, who died, while trying to tackle Chou, along with others, is being called a hero.

Jeff Hallock is the undersheriff in Orange County California and described the bravery many attendees demonstrated over the weekend.

"That group of churchgoers displayed what we believe is exceptional heroism and bravery," said Hallock.

That heroism and bravery are what Pastor John Bain of First Christian Church wants to enforce among his parishioners.

"If we end up in a situation, I see almost everything, it will be handled back there, but grab something and start moving toward the exits," said Pastor Bain. ... Read More

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Monday, May 16th, 2022, 10:23pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The Clark County School District Board of School Trustees has approved the final budget for the upcoming new school year.

The projected budget revenue is $2.9B, which is an increase of $15.2M from 2021 to 2022.

Chief Financial Officer Jason Goudie presented to the CCSD school board, that the unassigned ending fund balance is anticipated to be $122.1M or 4.25% of revenues... Read More

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Monday, May 16th, 2022, 9:21pm

North Las Vegas (KLAS)-- The North Las Vegas Police Department has a new chief of police.

Jacqueline Gravatt, former assistant chief, has been selected to lead the department. The announcement was made on Monday by the North Las Vegas City Manager Ryan Juden.

Gravatt started with the department in 2001 as a patrol officer and hasn't stopped working to better her community. The mother of two has been serving as acting chief since the beginning of the year when former chief Pamela Ojeda retired after more than 25 years.

Although the crime rate is down 35 percent from a decade ago, she says the department will focus on recruiting and community engagement. "We have a groundbreaking coming up for a new area command that is going to help serve an area that we don't have a station," she told 8 News Now... Read More

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Monday, May 16th, 2022, 8:16pm

CORRECTION: Initially, Metro police reported that the victim has been killed. This has since been rescinded by police. The victim is still alive but seriously injured and listed in critical condition.

LAS VEGAS(KLAS)-- A 52-year-old man was severely injured after a single-vehicle crash, police say.

According to Metro police, the man was driving a 2004 Lincoln Aviator west on East Warm Springs west of Pecos when he ran off the right side of the road and hit a tree.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates... Read More

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Monday, May 16th, 2022, 6:57pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- It all started when 12-year-old Kennedy Breland's mother surprised her with a basketball jersey of her all-time favorite player, A'ja Wilson.

"I want to be like her someday," Kennedy said. "It was just a great moment."

A video of Kennedy receiving the jersey soon went viral on social media, catching the attention of the entire basketball world, including the Las Vegas Aces. However, that was just the beginning of the surprise for the superfan.

Kennedy soon learned she was also going to watch Wison in action with the Las Vegas Aces against the Atlanta Dream.

When the game ended Kennedy even got the chance to meet her role model, Wilson.

"I had no words!" expressed Kennedy.

"It's crazy that she even had that reaction to me, I think I was just as excited and shocked as she was," Wilson tells 8 News Now. ... Read More

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