On Monday, Henderson Police responded to a tip about a stolen license plate on a Jeep parked at 120 E. Lake Mead Parkway. A sergeant arrived at the scene shortly after 1:00 p.m. and located the Jeep, but the situation escalated when the driver of the vehicle struck the sergeant's car before fleeing, according to a report from the City of Henderson.
The sergeant, in what can only be described as a quick response to an immediate threat, discharged their firearm, hitting the driver in the arm. However, despite the injury, the driver, later identified as 43-year-old Johnathan Gaston, managed to crash into another car at 200 E. Lake Mead Parkway and still attempted an escape on foot—ending inside a nearby business where he was finally apprehended.
While the sergeant involved in the shooting was taken to Sunrise Hospital and has since been released. Gaston was treated for his injury before being booked at the Henderson Detention Center with multiple charges including Attempted Murder with a Deadly Weapon and Battery with a Deadly Weapon with Substantial Bodily Harm, as per the Henderson police statement.
This incident marks the first officer-involved shooting of the year for Henderson. The sergeant has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation which remains active, and their identity is withheld until 48 hours after the incident staying in line with department policy. Authorities have stated that a Critical Incident Community Brief will be made public upon completion of the case.
The Henderson Police Department is requesting any additional information from the community and encourages individuals to contact them at 702-267-4911 or Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and information leading to an arrest or indictment may qualify for a cash reward, according to the official statement.
