A man and woman are in custody after police say the man allegedly stole a vehicle, led Metro officers on a chase across Las Vegas, and rammed patrol cars before the vehicle was disabled. During the chaotic stop, an officer fired a round from his weapon that police characterized as a negligent discharge, prompting an internal investigation even as detectives also examine whether the fleeing driver used the vehicle itself as a weapon against officers.
Chase Began After Stolen Vehicle Report
According to the Las Vegas Sun, police received a report of a stolen vehicle connected to the 9500 block of West Charleston Boulevard on Thursday. Officers eventually located the vehicle in the 8200 block of Silver Sky Drive, where they found it occupied by a male driver and a female passenger. When an officer issued verbal commands to the pair, the vehicle fled at high speed rather than stopping, according to the same account.
The pursuit escalated quickly from there. Patrol vehicles moved to block the road, but the fleeing car attempted to drive through the blockade and rammed Metro patrol vehicles in the process, the outlet reported. The vehicle was ultimately disabled during the encounter, bringing the chase to an end.
Officer's Gunshot Triggers Internal Affairs Response
Amid the confrontation, an officer fired a round from his weapon, which police described as a negligent discharge, prompting the Metro Internal Affairs Bureau to respond to the scene and investigate the shot. Police have not stated where the bullet landed or whether either suspect was struck, per the report. Separately, police said they will investigate the suspect's alleged use of deadly force against officers, referring to the driver's attempt to ram through the patrol line.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's Internal Affairs Bureau is tasked with reviewing officer conduct in incidents like an unintended discharge of a firearm, and its involvement here signals that the shooting itself, not just the chase, is now under formal scrutiny.
Both Suspects Taken Into Custody
Both occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody without further incident, according to the Las Vegas Sun's reporting. The male suspect was taken to a nearby hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries related to the collision. Police have not announced charges against either suspect as the investigation continues.
