At least three people were killed in a car-to-car shooting, crash and explosion early Thursday on the Las Vegas Strip that has prompted a manhunt for one of the drivers.
The apparent target of the fatal shooting that led to a fiery crash was a rapper from Oakland known as Kenny Clutch, 27.
Five vehicles were involved in the crash, including a taxi that burned after the collision at Flamingo and Las Vegas boulevards, Las Vegas police told KSNV-TV.
The incident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. and followed an exchange of gunfire between two vehicles, Sgt. John Sheahan told the station.
Police said a black SUV pulled up next to a silver Maserati and opened fire on the luxury sports car at a red light.
The driver of the Maserati sped up -- ostensibly to escape the gunfire -- traveling through the still-red light. After a series of posts about his identity on social media, the driver's aunt confirmed to KSNV that he was Ken Cherry, a rapper from Oakland who goes by Kenny Clutch, pictured below.
Cherry's Maserati crashed into the taxi, causing an explosion that turned into a large fireball, according to witnesses.
Six other vehcicles were involved in the collision, which occurred at the heart of the Strip, police said.
The sport utility vehicle -- described as a black Range Rover Sport with tinted windows, black rims and dealership plates -- left the scene, traveling northbound. It was not known how many occupants were in the SUV.
Authorities said the gunfire was sparked by a conflict at a nearby valet parking area.
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"Finding those involved is a top priority for my agency and law enforcement here in southern Nevada," said Sheriff Douglas Gillespie of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. "We believe the occupants of the range rover are armed and dangerous."
The California Highway Patrol confirmed it was looking for the Range Rover.
The Maserati's driver, the taxi driver and taxi passenger were killed, the station reported. A passenger in the Maserati was also injured and was cooperating with police, KSNV reported.
Several other victims who were nearby were also injured. At least three were hospitalized, police said.
It was not immediately clear whether the deceased victims were struck by gunfire or killed in the crash.
Las Vegas Boulevard north of Tropicana and south of Harmon was closed for the investigation.
