LAS VEGAS, NV — A “suspicious” car crash led to a fatal police shooting in Las Vegas early Tuesday morning. The incident took place on Sherwood Street near Sahara Avenue at around 1:47 a.m., according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Capt. Joshua Martinez.
Officers on routine patrol witnessed a vehicle crash into a parked car. Upon the driver exiting the vehicle to inspect the damage, an officer approached him, prompting the driver to flee. During the pursuit, the individual brandished a firearm at the officer, leading additional officers to be summoned to the location.
Upon arrival, the responding officers found the suspect and demanded he drop his firearm numerous times, orders which he reportedly ignored. The officers fired their duty weapons and shot at the suspect. Because of the gunfire, he was pronounced dead at the scene despite attempts at life-saving measures from medical personnel.
No officers sustained injuries during the incident, which marks the first police-involved shooting of 2024 in Las Vegas. In accordance with department policy, the names of the officers involved will be released within 48 hours, and a detailed briefing of the shooting will be provided within 72 hours.
The area around Sahara Avenue remained closed for over three hours post-incident as police conducted their investigation.