Search suspended for missing bicycler

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Authorities suspended a search Saturday for a missing mountain biker near Lake Tahoe.

The search for Andrew Sewell, 59, of Rio Vista was suspended after teams failed to find any clues regarding his whereabouts.

El Dorado County sheriff's deputies said a fierce early-season blizzard dumped about 3 feet of snow after Sewell turned up missing.

Sewell had planned to spend a few days riding his mountain bike after arriving at South Lake Tahoe on Oct. 16.

The search began Thursday after family members found his vehicle parked off U.S. Highway 50 near Echo Summit, southwest of Lake Tahoe. The vehicle's roof was covered by about 2 feet of snow.

"There is no known trail (he) traveled or final destination," Sheriff Jeff Neves said in a news release. "However, the investigation is ongoing."

Two helicopters joined ground crews and a dog team in the search. Sewell's family also assisted.

Moratorium put on new gaming licenses

RENO - In response to citizen opposition to a string of proposed neighborhood casinos, Reno and Washoe County officials have decided to impose a six-month moratorium on hearing applications for unrestricted gambling licenses.

Reno and county officials want to give their staffs time to develop a regional approach to the controversial issue of neighborhood casinos.

They also want the staffs to study broader consequences of moving casinos into neighborhoods, including financial and traffic impacts.

In April, the Sparks City Council approved a 10-month moratorium on new casinos outside the downtown area.

Officials from the cities and county discussed the issue at a joint meeting on Friday.

Aborted fetus seized in rape investigation

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - San Mateo County sheriff's detectives seized an aborted fetus in their investigation of the possible rape of a 13-year-old girl.

The girl, a Millbrae resident, tested positive two weeks ago for chlamydia, prompting hospital employees to report the case to authorities.

The case was forwarded to a sheriff's detective, who sought the warrant after learning the girl had scheduled an abortion for Oct. 13.

Authorities took the fetus and the girl's medical records from Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Daly City. DNA from the fetus will be used in an attempt to identify the father, who is believed to be an adult.

Sheriff's investigators said they have a suspect but have not yet arrested him.

- Associated Press