Las Vegas Review-Journal
LAS VEGAS — A Las Vegas police officer was shot multiple times Tuesday while chasing two suspects involved in a series of crimes earlier in the day, according to police.
One of the suspects was shot and killed during the pursuit
The patrol officer was transported to University Medical Center about 9:11 p.m. and taken into surgery, Las Vegas police said. The officer suffered “very serious, life-threatening” injuries, Capt. Randy Montandon said.
A second officer shot and killed a male suspect in the backyard of a residence near Rainbow Boulevard and Washington Avenue.
That suspect and a second male suspect stole a 1995 black Mercedes-Benz and tried to break into a house earlier Tuesday, Montandon said. The car was stolen in the morning. In the afternoon, a homeowner reported that two suspects who tried to break into his house had fled in a black Mercedes.
At 8:55 p.m., patrol officers pulled up behind a Mercedes at Charleston Boulevard and Rainbow, ran the vehicle’s plates and discovered it had been reported stolen.
When the officers tried to pull the car over, the driver did not stop. Officers chased the car toward Washington and Rainbow, where they were able to stop the suspects, who then fled on foot.
One suspect was apprehended immediately, Montandon said.
The second suspect fled into a residential area on Dolores Drive. The suspect had a handgun and fired at pursuing officers, striking one several times, Montandon said. The second officer then shot and killed the suspect.
Police have not released the names of the suspects or the identity of the injured officer.
The officer who shot the suspect will be placed on paid administrative leave, according to department policy. Policy also dictates that the name of the officer who shot the suspect be withheld for 48 hours after the shooting.
Clark County Sheriff Doug Gillespie spoke to the family of the injured officer Tuesday night and said the incident emphasizes the hazards faced daily by officers.
“This is a dangerous job that we do,” Gillespie said. “We’re dealing with an element which at times shoots at us.”
He also commended the UMC professionals treating the injured officer and “doing everything they can right now to keep him alive.”
Copyright 2010 Las Vegas Review-Journal