LAS VEGAS, NEVADA — A fatal shooting occurred near Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on Wednesday afternoon, involving an individual who had engaged in graffiti activity, attempted to evade the police, and tried to carjack someone. The Las Vegas Metro police provided details of the incident.
At approximately 1:20 p.m., officers were conducting patrols in the vicinity of Paradise and Russell roads when they noticed a white four-door Mercedes that had been spray-painted, according to Lt. Jason Johansson. A short time later, the officers received a report that a man driving a vehicle matching the same description was seen tagging graffiti in the Maryland Parkway and Tropicana Avenue area. Subsequently, the officers located the vehicle at University Center Drive and Hacienda Avenue.
Upon arrival, the driver had already exited the vehicle and was in the process of spray-painting a wall while wearing a mask. When the officers confronted him, he removed his mask and discarded the spray paint can before fleeing the scene. The officers noticed that he was carrying a firearm in his hand. The suspect proceeded to climb over a barrier and entered the traffic on Paradise Road, momentarily disappearing from the officers’ view. Shortly thereafter, two gunshots were heard.
Once in the midst of traffic on Paradise Road, the suspect began brandishing his weapon at passing vehicles, ultimately stopping a silver vehicle. He aimed his gun at the driver, a man in his 50s, who was armed and acted in self-defense by shooting the suspect. The driver is not currently facing any charges, clarified Johansson.
Officers discovered the suspect, described as a man in his 30s, wounded on the ground. He was taken to Sunrise Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Individuals who have any information about the incident or who were present on Paradise Road during the time of the event are encouraged to reach out to the LVMPD Homicide Section via phone at 702-828-3521 or email at [email protected]. To maintain anonymity, contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or utilize their website.
Motorists should be aware that the closure of Paradise Road at Russell Road is in effect, and the road may remain inaccessible for several additional hours while the investigation continues.
