Dallas's sales-tax collections for August were nearly 9 percent less than was projected, according to a memorandum from City Manager Mary Suhm that hints at tight city finances.

The August figure –$16.4 million – also was less than sales-tax revenues from August 2007, when the city took in $16.57 million.

"August sales tax receipts are the third month this fiscal year to be less than the prior year's receipts," Ms. Suhm wrote. "Recent news reports indicate a decline in retail sales for September 2008.

"In light of these reports and the events in the financial markets affecting the economy, we are carefully considering and monitoring all expenditures for the 2008-2009 fiscal year."

Dave Levinthal

Forest Turner is to be Dallas' new interim assistant city manager, replacing David Brown.

Mr. Brown is returning to his position as first executive assistant chief of the Dallas Police Department, according to a city memorandum. Mr. Turner now serves as interim director of Dallas' Code Compliance Department.

City Manager Mary Suhm wrote in her memorandum that "the national search for a permanent assistant city manager continues."

The assistant city manager position became vacant when Charles Daniels resigned late last year.

Dave Levinthal

A man who tried to break up a fight outside a South Fort Worth taco stand early Saturday morning died after a pickup hit him and pinned him against another truck, Fort Worth police said.

Police said the incident started when a 24-year-old man saw a fight start around 2:30 a.m. outside the El Mil taco stand in the 3900 block of Hemphill Street.

After the man tried to break up the fight, a driver of a green Toyota pickup slammed into him and pinned him against a black Ford pickup, police said.

The two pickups then drove away, leaving the man sprawled on the ground.

Paramedics took the man to a hospital, where he died. Police didn't release his name Saturday, pending notification of relatives.

Police later located a man alleged to be the Toyota's driver, 36-year-old Vincent Chairez, who faces a charge of accident involving injury or death.

Matthew Haag

Grand Prairie police arrested a man early Saturday morning who is accused of hitting and killing a 27-year-old woman with his pickup and leaving the accident.

Acting on a tip, officers found a damaged Dodge Ram pickup in the 1600 block of South Bent Tree Trail, police said. Officers tracked down its owner, 40-year-old Antonio Luquis. Officers matched pickup parts found at the scene of the accident with Mr. Luquis' Dodge Ram, police said.

Mr. Luquis was being held Saturday in the Grand Prairie Jail, charged with failure to stop and render aid. His bail was set at $100,000.

Police say Nina Lujan of Grand Prairie was struck and killed in the 2300 block of West Pioneer Parkway sometime Friday morning. A passing motorist noticed her body in tall grass near the road.

Matthew Haag