Las Vegas

Illusionist transferred to UCLA Medical Center

Illusionist Roy Horn has been transferred to UCLA Medical Center as he recovers from injuries he suffered when he was mauled by one of his tigers, hospital officials said Wednesday.

Horn, 59, of the famed “Siegfried & Roy” animal and magic act, had been in intensive care at University Medical Center in Las Vegas until his transfer on Tuesday.

“Roy is now making the transition from survival to recovery,” longtime partner Siegfried Fischbacher said in a statement.

Horn was admitted for further evaluation and treatment, UCLA officials said. His condition was serious, but his vital signs were stable.

Horn was attacked Oct. 3 by one of the white tigers featured in the duo’s show. Immediately after the attack, Horn reportedly said: “Don’t harm the cat.”

Fischbacher has suggested that the animal was trying to help Horn, but other animal experts disputed that.

The 7-year-old white tiger named Montecore has been released from quarantine.

Houston

Police toxicology lab closed down

The Houston Police Department closed the toxicology section of its troubled crime lab Wednesday after a toxicologist failed a competency test.

It’s the second section of the police lab to be shut since an outside audit 10 months ago revealed significant deficiencies within its DNA section. The lab has six sections.

Acting Police Chief Joe Breshears said Pauline Louie, who supervised the toxicology section, was suspended with pay pending an internal affairs investigation. He would not say what duties Louie was found incompetent to perform.