Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Police: Man wounded by officers pulled gun in scuffle

Updated Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015 | 2:50 p.m.

Click to enlarge photo

James Nelson

A man shot by Metro Police on Monday night aimed a handgun at an officer during a struggle, officials said.

James A. Nelson, 21, was booked in absentia on one count of assault with a deadly weapon on an officer, police said.

Police received a call about 8 p.m. of a reported robbery in the 3900 block of Mountain Vista Street, near East Flamingo Road and Boulder Highway, according to a Metro news release.

Patrol officers investigated the incident and determined there wasn’t a robbery, but the officers believed they knew the person involved in the incident, who was known to carry firearms, police said.

The two officers did a follow-up investigation at The Suites, less than a mile away at 4855 Boulder Highway, where Nelson is known to frequent and possibly live, police said.

The officers got out of their car and noticed Nelson walking with two females, Metro Capt. Matt McCarthy said.

When approached by the officers and told to stop, Nelson kept walking and appeared ready to flee, police said.

An officer tried to take Nelson into custody, but Nelson resisted and lifted up his shirt, removing a black handgun from his waistband, police said.

He aimed it at the officer, police said.

The other officer yelled “gun” multiple times, and the officer in the struggle fell back and created space, police said. The second officer then fired at Nelson, striking him, police said.

Nelson underwent surgery at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center and was last listed in stable condition, police said.

The identity of the officer involved will be released 48 hours after the incident.

Police are searching for the females who were with Nelson and ask that anyone with information call Metro’s investigation section at 702-828-8452. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or online at crimestoppersofnv.com.

The incident was Metro’s first officer-involved shooting of the year.

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