Behind the Gates, Pt. 2: Keeping you, your home and community safe

Tuesday, May 11th, 2021, 11:26pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- In part one of 8 News Now's story on gated communities and home safety, we found nationally, there are fewer residential burglaries in these neighborhoods and less vandalism, speeding and opportunistic crime.

Other studies found gated and ungated neighborhoods with nearly identical rates of burglaries and car thefts.

One definite downside of gated communities? Slower emergency response times.

"I think it's critical that you get to know your neighbors," said homeowner Robert Schultz.

The experts agree.

Two of our local leaders with Henderson PD and Metro highlighted the importance of consistently connecting with neighbors.

"If you know your neighbors, you can refer officers to your neighbors," said Metro Officer Larry Hadfield, "and your neighbors are really going to be wanting to help and assist us in that investigation." ... Read More

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Submitted by 8NewsNOWStaff

Tuesday, May 11th, 2021, 11:14pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Carrie Howard, Amari Nicholson’s maternal grandmother, has questions after receiving the devastating news of her grandson’s murder.

Her questions are directed at her daughter, Tayler Nicholson, the 2-year-old’s mother.

"There's more. There are just too many holes," said Howard. "Why in the five days did you not video chat with my grandson on the phone with me other than Friday night from the airport?"

She also told 8 News Now that no matter the circumstance, it didn't have to end like this.

But in the end, she said no matter what was happening, her daughter would not leave Terrell Rhodes, the man arrested in the boy’s killing.

"She had my house, she had two other people in Vegas that would have taken him, so he didn't have to stay with Terrell," Howard said. ... Read More

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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021, 10:58pm

HENDERSON, Nev. (KLAS) -- More vaccination sites are popping up across the Las Vegas valley. And the Las Vegas Convention Center is continuing its drive thru vaccine clinics.

The convention center has been a big vaccine hub and central location to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. It's currently doing drive-thru vaccinations Tuesday through Saturday, but there are other locations to make it as convenient as possible, and they also offer incentives!

Tuesday was day one of the vaccines being administered at a clinic at the "Galleria at Sunset" mall, and things were off to a steady start.

"While people are out shopping at the malls or walking through, we want to attract them into this location and give them that opportunty," said Michael Charlton, vaccine clinic pod manager.

The clinic will be operating at the Galleria for the next six weeks. It's a new approach to make it as easy as possible for people to get vaccinated... Read More

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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021, 10:45pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Metro Police say Terrell Rhodes, the boyfriend of Amari Nicholson's mother, has been booked for the 2-year-old's killing. He faces one count of first-degree murder.

Amari was first reported missing from the Emerald Suites near Paradise and Twain on May 5.

Amari Nicholson

Lt. Richard Meyers said, "As the investigation progressed, it became very clear to us that Terrell Rhodes was our primary suspect."

He noted there will be other charges, in addition to the murder charge, as Rhodes "chose" to fight with police officers during his arrest. Meyers says Rhodes briefly retrieved one of the officers' firearm during the altercation. The incident was resolved, and the suspect transported to the Clark County Detention Center

Sources earlier told the I-Team that Rhodes had confessed to the murder. ... Read More

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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021, 7:17pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- It's potentially life-saving technology for outdoor enthusiasts. SPOT technology maintains connectivity through satellites, so when your cell service goes out, you still have a way to get a hold of someone in an emergency.

Whether you are camping, hiking, taking a solo motorcycle trip or out on the lake, you can send out emergency SOS at the touch of a button.

There have been 100 rescues across Nevada, involving people who have used their SPOT device. A lot of the activity is near our state parks. ... Read More

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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021, 7:07pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded emergency use authorization of Pfizer's vaccine to Americans 12-15-years-old, with the drug maker claiming it's 100% effective in that age group.

"Parents who want to protect their children, younger teens who want to get vaccinated, we're a step closer to that goal now," said President Joe Biden.

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory board will review the data and finalize guidance tomorrow, and the Southern Nevada Health District is awaiting the recommendations.

The news has many parents talking.

"We've been vaccinating people down to age 16 for the entire year," shared Michael Tenby, a pediatrician with Centennial Pediatrics. "...I feel things should be pretty much the same for ages."

He understands children aren't at the same risk of serious complications like adults, but they can get sick -- and spread the virus. ... Read More

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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021, 6:58pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- 8 News Now is looking into gated communities and assessing their safety. We break down everything, from crime trends to positive aspects and a surprising disadvantage of this type of neighborhood.

The number of people living in gated communities, both nationally and here in Las Vegas, continues to rise.

Many households consider these neighborhoods a safe haven. We wanted to know if that notion of increased safety is perception or reality.

"Gated communities, for the most part, look very secure, and it gives a lot of folks that live in there a sense of comfort of being secure," explained Sgt. Chris Holman of Henderson PD. "But at the end of the day, if a criminal wanted to get inside the gated community, they're going to be able to get inside."

Metro Officer Larry Hadfield said, "I think that gated communities are a great idea. They do provide that layer of security." ... Read More

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