Vegas Cops Fatally Shoot Knife-Wielding Suspect Near Strip

Posted on: October 4, 2024, 11:51h. 

Last updated on: October 4, 2024, 11:51h.

A man holding a knife who charged at two Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officers was wounded Friday in an incident east of the Strip. He later died.

The unnamed suspect was outside of a business on East Tropicana Avenue when police arrived. He was “agitated” when he charged at one police officer, according to Las Vegas TV station KLAS. That officer shot him.

The suspect then charged at a second officer. That officer also shot him.

The suspect was wounded and tried to run away. Instead, he fell down.

Died at Hospital

The wounded man was given emergency aid by officers. Later, he was transported to University Medical Center by EMTs. He died while at the hospital.

None of the police officers suffered injuries.

The suspect and an unnamed woman were trespassing and had refused to leave the business. He had walked behind a counter and threatened workers at the business, according to KLAS.

So, employees telephoned the LVMPD at about 10 a.m.

The suspect then went into a parking lot. That’s where the confrontation with police officers took place.

No officers were injured. It’s not clear if the woman was arrested.

Capt. Kurt McKenzie of the LVMPD Office of Internal Oversight and Constitutional Policing explained the incident took place “extremely fast,” according to KLAS.

The officers chose not to zap the suspect with a Taser.

McKenzie asked for photos from any witnesses to the incident. In addition, the LVMPD is reviewing the shooting to determine if the officers were justified in using deadly force against the armed suspect.

Officers may use force only when no reasonably effective, safe, and feasible alternative appears to exist and may use only the level of force that a reasonable officer on the scene would use under the same or similar circumstances,” according to an online statement from the US Department of Justice.

Friday’s incident led to a statement from the police union.

All involved officers are OK and are NOT injured,” the Las Vegas Police Protective Association stated on Instagram. “Can’t say the same for the savage that attacked them with a knife.”

Witness Says It’s Quiet Neighborhood

“I don’t know what happened before they even pulled a gun and shot him,” Prince Alidu, a nearby resident who heard the gunfire, told KLAS.

This is a nice place,” Alidu said. “Everybody’s quiet out here, but hopefully I don’t have to see it again. I feel bad.”

Friday’s incident was the 10th police shooting in 2024 that involved the LVMPD.