By Police1 Staff
LAS VEGAS — Police departments in Nevada have been investigating a group of car thieves that intentionally run their stolen cars, trucks and vans into law enforcement vehicles.
The group has targeted six police vehicles from three departments in Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City, and police worry the attacks are becoming more dangerous, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.
“If we don’t stop them, they’re going to seriously hurt or kill somebody,” Metro Deputy Tom Roberts said at a press conference.
The first incident occurred on April 29, when a K-9 vehicle parked in an officer’s driveway was hit by a van. Since then, five more vehicles have been targeted, according to police.
The vehicles used are usually from an immediate area and are stolen just a few hours before the attack. Roberts, who called the suspects “thieves first,” believes those responsible are likely linked to other auto thefts and burglaries in the area.
In each incident, a heavy object is put on the accelerator. The car, aimed at police vehicles, is then let go of and allowed to collide with its target.
In another incident on July 6, a K-9 cruiser was targeted in the driveway of an officer’s home. The stolen truck missed the cruiser, crashing into a neighbor’s car.
On July 22, the group targeted an officer conducting a traffic stop. The stolen vehicle was sent off, but missed the officer by a few hundred feet. The vehicle crashed into a light pole.
Officials have announced a reward for information that helps solve the case.