Published on: December 10, 2024, 12:13h.
Last updated on: December 10, 2024, 12:13h.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) is currently investigating the recent fatal shooting of an armed individual by a police officer at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa.
Despite extended attempts at negotiation, he refused to surrender to the officers, as indicated by news reports and police statements.
Intended to End Life
At approximately 5 p.m. on Sunday, LVMPD officers received reports that a hotel guest at the South Point Hotel was in a room displaying suicidal tendencies, according to news sources.
A team of SWAT officers and negotiators, specially trained for such situations, spent several hours trying to persuade the unnamed individual to cooperate, but he remained adamant about staying in the room.
At one point, he emerged from the room holding what appeared to be a shotgun, as described by LVMPD Capt. Kurt McKenzie.
Upon being instructed to drop the firearm by the police officers, the armed individual resisted and advanced towards the police. Subsequently, an officer, concerned for his safety, fired a shot at the man, causing him to collapse.
The officers provided medical aid until emergency medical technicians arrived. Unfortunately, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Second Firearm Discovered
A search of the individual revealed that he carried a second firearm, as confirmed by the police.
Prior to the police being called, hotel security personnel attempted to check on the guest’s well-being. However, he did not respond when they knocked on the door.
When they tried to enter the room, they heard what sounded like the “racking of a firearm” and retreated, according to McKenzie. The security staff promptly contacted the LVMPD.
Similarly, the initial attempts by the officers to communicate with the man through the door were unsuccessful.
McKenzie described the situation, where the man barricaded himself in the room, as a tense standoff.
As part of standard LVMPD protocol following an officer-involved shooting, there will be a thorough review to determine if the use of lethal force was justified by the officer.
According to local news station KTNV, neither officers nor other guests sustained injuries during the incident.
The Sunday shooting marks the 16th officer-involved shooting within the LVMPD jurisdiction this year.
It is anticipated that the LVMPD will disclose the identity of the officer who discharged the fatal shot on Tuesday.
An autopsy will likely be conducted on the individual to confirm his identity. The cause and manner of death will be officially determined by the Clark County coroner’s office.
Additional information regarding the shooting is expected to be provided by the police later in the week.
The South Point Hotel is situated at the juncture of South Las Vegas Boulevard and West Silverado Ranch Boulevard in Las Vegas.
Following the incident, the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa issued a statement:
“South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa is fully cooperating with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).” Media inquiries will be directed to the LVMPD.