Moped drivers need valid Nevada license

Precious is the gift of life. At one time or another we’ve all felt the true sadness of losing a family member or a friend. Losing a child is likely the most devastating and distraught time in a parent’s life. On Sept. 14, one of Boulder City’s own, 2008 BCHS graduate Lani Lunden, suffered a tragic bicycle accident in Reno. According to information, she suffered a severe TBI.

TBI stands for traumatic brain injury. The prognosis for this type of injury is almost always tragic, and Lani passed away Sept. 18. The range of emotions Lani’s family is experiencing cannot be characterized by words alone. Our prayers are with the Lunden family.

I’d like to mention a recent concern discussed amongst our enforcement circles: mopeds. Mopeds are defined under Nevada Revised Statutes 484A.125. Paraphrasing, a moped is a motor driven scooter under 50cc with not more than 2 brake horsepower. Translation, a moped does not need a Nevada vehicle registration.

But, a moped’s operator needs a valid driver’s license per Nevada Revised Statutes 483.230. Why do I mention this?

Apparently unlicensed juveniles and adults are purchasing mopeds, with the misconception they are not required to have a valid driver’s license. Wrong! If you operate a motorized vehicle on the roadway, you need a valid license.

Another point, if you legally drive a moped, even though helmets are not legally mandated, be smart, save your brain, wear a helmet.

“Control, 269, I’ll be 10-8, in-service, hop in.”

Sept. 15. As the midnight hour approaches, a concerned resident calls regarding a subject sitting in a car with the engine running. The passenger went into a home near the area of Woodcrest Drive. It appears as if some illegal activity might be going on. We make contact with the driver, who does not have a valid license. The driver is cited and now has to wait for the passenger to come back in order to drive the car. Thankfully, no illegal drug activity was discovered at this time.

Sept. 16. A father comes to the ex-wife’s house to take away his car that his daughter is driving. After tossing the daughter around, he leaves in the car he came to pick up. Officers arrive and have LVMPD go by dad’s home. The father drives back to BC to clarify the situation. It’s pretty clear to us what happened. He was stopped coming into town by officers. Welcome, three hots and a cot, courtesy of Henderson Detention Center.

Sept. 17. Day-shift officers respond to the area of First Street in reference to a vehicle being burglarized. The crooks discovered a car was unlocked during the night; they made off with miscellaneous items. Thieves act on opportunity. It’s sad; times are getting more complicated. Please secure your possessions.

Sept. 18. A horse owner comes into the lobby to report the theft of the horse. Tonto and the Lone Ranger were busy, so an officer responded. Apparently, the horse in question is involved in divorce proceedings. Officers contact the Nevada Department of Agriculture, which is familiar with case, and is investigating the matter under a brand inspection issue. Thank goodness for civility, because back in the day, I’m sure a tall tree and some twine would have been an option.

Sept. 19. A subject runs the four-way stop at Adams Boulevard and Avenue G. Bad idea! Perfect timing, at least for us! Subject is stopped. Everything appears on the up and up. Hold on, what’s that, no, you’re kidding, really? Lyon County is showing an active bench warrant from 2008. Guess what for? Running a stop sign. Ugggg! Lyon County confirms the warrant; they’ll be on their way to pick up the driver. The subject is booked into Clark County Detention Center to await Lyon County. FYI, it’ll be about a week before they get down here. Lesson learned … pay for your tickets, and don’t run stop signs.

Sept. 20. Officers are dispatched to the Dry Lake Bed, regarding an all-terrain vehicle accident. The ATV rider was traveling at a high rate of speed and failed to see a large crevasse. The rider was ejected more than 30 feet. Thankfully, the driver comes to and was transported to Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, a level two trauma center. The accident is under investigation.

Wow! What a week. As we venture into our days ahead, please remember to make safe and responsible choices. Please, be safe and wear a helmet if it involves riding on wheels All the professional athletes do!

Officer Jeffrey Grasso is a 10-year veteran of the Boulder City Police Department. He previously served as a police in south Florida for four years.