Las Vegas police officer injured after gun discharges in scuffle with suspect

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into an incident of an officer-involved shooting that occurred at the intersection of N. US-95 and E. Charleston Blvd. on Friday.

As per a media release, one officer sustained injuries during the incident and was transported to UMC hospital. Presently, the officer's condition is reported to be stable. Law enforcement has confirmed that a suspect is now in custody.

Due to this incident, the southbound lanes of US-95 have been closed at Eastern Ave., and access to southbound US-95 from Charleston Blvd. is unavailable. Expect traffic delays, and it is advisable to avoid the area if possible.

During a 7 p.m. media briefing, a spokesperson from LVMPD stated that a confrontation occurred between an officer and an individual walking along US-95. The officer suffered a gunshot wound to the leg but is not in a life-threatening condition. Additionally, a second officer was injured in a traffic accident at the scene and was also taken to the hospital.

The condition of the suspect remains unknown.

Police urge anyone with information regarding this incident to contact LVMPD dispatch at (702) 828-3111. A suspect is in custody, and a police officer has been transported to the hospital following an officer-involved shooting on Friday night.

According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the incident took place at 4:57 p.m. at the intersection of N. U.S. 95 and E. Charleston Blvd. in response to reports of a suicidal individual who was reportedly running into traffic. When officers approached the individual, he attempted to flee, as explained by LVMPD Capt. Joshua Martinez.

"The officer pursued the individual, managed to apprehend him, and during the struggle on the ground, the officer's firearm discharged accidentally. One round struck our officer," Martinez recounted. "Another arriving officer was able to assist in apprehending the suspect. Immediately after detaining the individual, our injured officer was rushed to the hospital for medical care."

Martinez clarified that the circumstances leading to the weapon discharge remain unclear.

"He's currently with his family. He's conscious and alert," shared LVMPD Undersheriff Andy Walsh. "At this point, it appears that his injuries are not life-threatening," Walsh added. "We're allowing him to spend time with his family."

Walsh revealed that a second officer who responded to the scene was involved in a traffic accident and was also transported to UMC for treatment.

The incident resulted in road closures on southbound U.S. 95 at Charleston Blvd. and U.S. 95 at Boulder Highway. Martinez urged the public to reach out if they possess any information related to the incident.

"Given the time of day when this occurred, the intersection of U.S. 95 and Charleston is usually quite busy. Therefore, we request the public to report anything related to this incident by calling LVMPD Dispatch at (702) 828-3111, so we can gather your information and involve you in the investigation by our Force Investigation Team," Martinez urged.

Walsh emphasized that the incident serves as a reminder to the community about the risks that police officers face in the valley.

"This serves as a reminder for our community about the challenges that the men and women who wear this uniform encounter every day and the dangers that our first responders face in our community," Walsh remarked. "We are relieved that this hero will eventually return home with his family."