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According to authorities
, the group of investigators were conducting routine work on a pending case on the 4600 block of East Stewart Avenue when the incident occurred just after 6 P.M.
The officers were around the intersection of East Steward Avenue and North Hollywood Boulevard conducting a follow-up in the area. No details about this pending investigation have been released, so it remains unclear whether the shooting was random or tied to the officer’s activities.
Officers were standing around the scene when shots rang out. Thankfully, all the Metro officers avoided the bullets, and no injuries were reported. The unnamed suspect was immediately taken into custody for targeting the officers. So far, the identity of the culprit has not been made public, and the motive hasn’t been released.
Shooting at a police officer (or anyone, for that matter) is generally a crime unless it’s done in self-defense. In Nevada, this type of crime is often charged as attempted murder, and the penalties for a conviction are steep. Attempted murder with a deadly weapon could result in a prison sentence of two to 20 years, with an additional consecutive one to 20 years added on top of the original sentence for the use of the firearm.
Depending on the circumstances, the suspect might also be charged with interfering with a public officer. This type of crime typically results in up to a year in jail and fines of up to $2,000.
One important consideration during the process is determining the suspect’s intent. Typically, prosecutors must prove that the suspect was acting with the intent of killing the other person when pursuing attempted murder charges. This high standard of intent could be difficult to prove.
If prosecutors don’t have enough evidence to prove the elements of attempted murder, then they can still charge the suspect with discharging a firearm in public. Depending on the facts of the case, this crime can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor.
As a misdemeanor, this type of crime happens when the firearm is discharged due to negligence and without causing greater harm. In general, that means the shooting must have been accidental. The misdemeanor discharge of a firearm in public can result in up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000. As a felony offense, discharging a firearm in public might result in a prison sentence of anywhere from two to 15 years.
Considering the complexity of the law and how it can be leveraged against you, it’s typically best to hire an attorney if you are charged with a crime.
The right lawyer will help you navigate your situation and determine the best way to defend yourself. If you’re in the Las Vegas area, then schedule a free case review with our team now by leaving your contact details on our online form.
