Published Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 | 4:14 p.m.
Updated Monday, Dec. 9, 2019 | 3:15 p.m.
Benjamin Smith
A suspect accused of fatally shooting a man who was trying to help his father stop an auto burglary has been identified as 21-year-old Benjamin Smith, who faces counts of murder, attempted murder and burglary with a deadly weapon, according to Metro Police and jail booking logs.
Smith, who suffered an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to the leg, was taken to a hospital and and booked in absentia, police said.
Police responded shortly before 6 a.m. Sunday to the 5700 block of Shinyleaf Circle, near Sloan Lane and Charleston Boulevard, and encountered a gravely wounded man in his 20s, Spencer said. The man died at University Medical Center, he said.
A preliminary investigation determined the victim’s father heard someone breaking into his vehicle and went outside to confront him, Spencer said. The father held onto the would-be burglar and yelled for help, prompting his son to run outside, Spencer said.
That’s when Smith opened fire and shot the son, Spencer said. Smith was arrested at the scene, Spencer said.
Spencer said Smith was seen walking down Sloan Lane and jumping a wall into the victims’ neighborhood.
Smith is scheduled to appear in court this morning, Las Vegas Justice Court records show.
The slaying occurred about a week after a father and son were shot in North Las Vegas after they tracked down a man they believed stole their family pickup truck, police said.
Kevin Soriano, 17, died in the 2600 block of Ferguson Avenue, North Las Vegas Police said. His father was expected to recover.
Police have not announced any arrests in that case.
