A tragic confrontation in North Las Vegas yesterday afternoon resulted in the death of a local police officer and a suspect. The incident began when North Las Vegas Police officers responded to a report of a suspect pointing a firearm at a citizen near Camino Al Norte and Lone Mountain Road around 2:13 p.m. An officer later found the armed individual, who approached the officer despite being ordered to show his hands, leading to an exchange of gunfire, as reported by News3LV.
Both the officer and the suspect were critically injured and received medical aid from NLVPD officers on the scene before being transported to UMC Trauma Center. Despite medical efforts, the officer succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead, marking the department's first officer-involved shooting of the year. "It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of one of North Las Vegas’ finest," Chief of Police Jacqueline Gravatt said in a statement obtained by 8 News Now.
8 News Now reported an interview with a woman who called 911, saying she saw someone "throwing rocks with a firearm" around 2:20 p.m. and was concerned about nearby children due to a school bus drop-off. Toni Cooper, a local resident, described hearing the gunshots, "It sounded just like a Western shootout," and noted the neighborhood’s usual safety.
The identities of the officer and the suspect have not been released, pending family notification. A procession was held last evening to honor the fallen officer. In a statement, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department expressed solidarity, saying, "We stand with our brothers and sisters at the North Las Vegas Police Department as they mourn the heartbreaking loss of one of their own. Earlier today, this brave officer made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues during this devastating time. The law enforcement community is united in grief, and we will honor this hero’s service and dedication," as per an 8 News Now report.
