Coroner identifies gunman killed in officer-involved shooting

By Jackie Valley

Thursday, April 21, 2011 | 10:40 a.m.

The Clark County Coroner's Office today identified a man fatally shot by a Metro Police officer Tuesday near the UNLV campus after a car chase.

David Gonzalez, 32, died of gunshot wounds to the arms and chest. His place of residence is unknown.

A male and female officer tried to pull over a motorist about 8:05 p.m. after spotting a vehicle weaving on Flamingo Road, police said. The man wouldn’t stop and, concerned that he was heading toward the Strip, the officers spun out the car at the intersection of Swenson Street, police said.

Metro Capt. Patrick Neville on Tuesday night said the man exited the car, fired a shot toward officers, started to flee, then turned around and fired another shot. The male officer returned fire, striking the gunman several times, police said.

Gonzalez was taken to Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Neither of the officers was injured.

Police said they didn’t know why Gonzalez refused to stop.

Police said the car, a 2001 Chevrolet, is registered to a Las Vegas man, but the description of the owner didn’t match Gonzalez. The car had not been reported stolen, police said.

Neville said another vehicle was struck by gunfire, but police don't know if the bullet came from the suspect’s weapon or the officer’s gun.

The officer was placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation, which is standard in cases of officer-involved shootings. The officer’s name will be released 48 hours after the shooting.