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CNN Live Saturday
3 Dead in Fight Between Rival Motorcycle Gangs in Nevada Casino
Aired April 27, 2002 - 18:16 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: There was mayhem at a casino in southern Nevada early today. Police say that a rival -- rival motorcycle gangs began fighting on a crowded casino floor, and three people were killed, and the resort town of Laughlin is in shock.
CNN's Thelma Gutierrez is joining us now with the very latest on this. Thelma.
THELMA GUTIERREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Catherine, just a few moments ago police told us that a large number of people are under arrest. However, they won't release any details because they say this case is very sensitive and the investigation is ongoing.
Now we have video that was shot by an amateur video photographer about the aftermath of the shooting. In it, you see investigators trying to separate victims from suspects. One man actually begins to fight with an officer.
Now, so far, 100 people have been detained for questioning inside Harrah's. We are told that Harrah's is in a state of lock-down, or at least it was just a few moments ago. Some guests, after questioning, have been allowed to leave. They've gone to other hotels. Now this is a shooting that authorities say is the worst ever inside a Nevada casino.
It began at 2:15 early this morning between two rival gangs, the Mongols (ph) and the Hell's Angels. Police say a member of the Mongol Motorcycle gang pulled out a gun on a member of the Hell's Angels, and this gun battle erupted that quickly spread from the bar at Harrah's to the casino floor.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All of a sudden, there was about 15 shots that I heard -- pandemonium broke out -- a whole slew of people from particular motorcycle gangs went running. Everybody hit the floor. It was quite shocking.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We could actually see a dead body from our room on the street. I mean, they had a sheet over it but it was obvious what it was, and I just feel really sad about it because there's a lot of great people here and trying to have a good time. It's upsetting and it's very sad. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There were bodies around. Lots of bodies.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GUTIERREZ: Three men were killed at the scene; four were transported by air to Las Vegas hospitals. Eleven people were wounded in the melee. Some stabbed, some shot. Several are listed in critical condition.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SGT. VINCENT CANNITO, LAS VEGAS METRO POLICE: I will bring attention to the fact that we had a large augmentation of police officers in Laughlin preparation -- or, preparatory for this event. As a result of having that number of officers, the expertise and skill level of the officers that were here -- the fist suspect was taken into custody roughly less than two minutes after this incident took place. Minutes after this incident took place, the officers began making the arrests and restoring the calm.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GUTIERREZ: We should mention that there are tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts here in Laughlin, Nevada. They're here for the 20th annual "River Run." Apparently, this is an event that is normally something that's quite peaceful. Lots of families out here. Not this year -- this year, there was, of course, a shooting that's being called the worst in a Nevada casino. I can tell you that we've talked to people since we arrived and the motorcycle show has continued and people are going about their business and trying to return to normal. Catherine, back to you.
CALLAWAY: Yeah, we saw a number of those bikers behind you there during your live shot, Thelma. Yet you alluded to this at the beginning of your report, but it -- maybe you could clarify a little bit for us. We're hearing reports that they are, indeed, questioning hundreds of people in connection with this.
GUTIERREZ: Yes, that's the latest figure that we heard, Catherine. When we arrived, we were told that there were at least a hundred people being detained inside of Harrah's in the casino there, being questioned. But, again, police say that for clarification, they're trying to separate the suspects from victims, and they're trying to sift through who's who in all of this. But, a hundred people being questioned right now. Many, they say, arrested. Again, they are not releasing details about that investigation.
CALLAWAY: Thanks, Thelma. Thelma Gutierrez. Thanks for the latest.
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