Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Coroner identifies gunman fatally shot after 12-hour standoff

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The Clark County Coroner's Office has identified a man shot by a Metro Police SWAT officer early Monday after a nearly 12-hour standoff during which he held a woman hostage in an apartment.

Michael Dean Chevalier Jr., 48, died from a gunshot wound to the head, the coroner said. Officials haven't determined his city of residence.

Police said Chevalier didn't know the woman he took hostage when he entered her unlocked apartment Sunday afternoon at the Sedona Hills Apartments, 2895 E. Charleston Blvd. When officers arrived, Chevalier allegedly made threats at police, prompting officers to retreat, authorities said.

A short time later, Chevalier saw an unmarked sedan parked at the complex and apparently assumed it was a police cruiser, prompting him to shoot at it three or four times, hitting the car once, police said.

The car was occupied by a 21-year-old man and his three younger siblings, who escaped unharmed.

Police returned fire at Chevalier, although authorities said it's unclear whether he was struck during that exchange of gunfire.

The gunfire led to the start of SWAT negotiations and a standoff that ended about 4:30 a.m. Monday when SWAT members decided to enter the apartment and rescue the woman.

As police entered the apartment, authorities said Chevalier fired at officers, prompting one SWAT officer to fire a shot that struck and killed the man. No one else was injured.

The woman, believed to be in her late 20s or early 30s, was taken to University Medical Center for examinations.

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