Motorist arrested after passing checkpoint, crossing Hoover Dam

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Security was being reviewed Thursday at Hoover Dam after a motorist failed to stop at a security checkpoint, crossed the dam and led police on a high-speed chase 60 miles into Arizona.

"This is something that we've been concerned about," said Rich Melim, Hoover Dam police chief. "We've had others run the checkpoint, but we've pulled them over. This is the first time someone actually crossed."

The car driven by David Leeroy Hamer III ran out of gas near Kingman, Ariz., and he was arrested after officers broke a car window, squirted him with pepper spray and pulled him from the vehicle, Melim said.

Hamer, 29, of Las Vegas, was returned to Las Vegas, where he was being held in federal custody pending a Friday appearance in U.S. District Court.

"This is not related to terrorism whatsoever," the police chief said. "He just blew past our checkpoint."

The federal Bureau of Reclamation, which runs the dam, will review security procedures imposed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Melim said.

Among other measures, tractor-trailers and long-haul buses are banned from crossing the dam, which forms Lake Mead, a key reservoir and source of hydroelectric power for the West.

Melim said Hamer's silver Hyundai sedan nearly hit a police officer who approached it early in the chase, and said Hamer could face charges including assault on a federal officer, reckless driving and evading police.

The chase began just after 1 a.m. on the Nevada side of the Colorado River dam. Speeds topped 100 mph after passing another checkpoint on U.S. 93 on the Arizona side.

"No doubt whatsoever, he knew he was being followed," Melim said. "He refused to stop for reasons unknown."

The car hit spike strips set by the Arizona highway patrol near Kingman, but didn't stop until it ran out of gas, Melim said.

The police chief said alcohol did not appear to be a factor, but said Hamer might have been under the influence of drugs.

Hamer's lip was cut during the arrest, and he was treated at University Medical Center in Las Vegas.