Shooting victim’s comments prompted apartment evacuations

By Pashtana Usufzy

Monday, Jan. 18, 2016 | 7:03 p.m.

Metro Police say 15 to 20 people were evacuated from their apartments late Sunday after a shooting victim made comments indicating he might have an explosive device.

Police were called about 10:40 p.m. to the 9400 block of Las Vegas Boulevard South, near East Richmar Avenue, Lt. David Gordon said.

A man was shot once on the side of his upper body and taken to the hospital with injuries believed to be nonlife-threatening, Gordon said.

He made comments during the incident "about blowing up the place and pulling the pin," he said.

Metro's all-hazard response unit was called to the scene, where a "suspicious" metal object was found, he said.

Seven apartments were evacuated, and it was determined the object was not explosive, he said.

As of early Monday morning, police did not have a suspect in custody in connection with the shooting, Gordon said.

The suspect is believed to be a black man in his 30s with a thin build, facial hair and dreadlocks, Gordon said.

He was wearing a black, puffy jacket and dark jeans, he said.

It was not immediately clear if the shooting victim would face any charges in connection with the explosives investigation.