NHP
Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Micah May
Published Thursday, July 29, 2021 | 8 p.m.
Updated Thursday, July 29, 2021 | 8:41 p.m.
Veteran Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Micah May died Thursday after he was struck by a carjacking suspect during a pursuit this week on Interstate 15 near the heart of Las Vegas.
The 46-year-old, who is survived by his wife and two children, became the 12th Nevada state trooper to lose his life in the line of duty, the patrol said in announcing his death Thursday evening.
In 2014, May earned a Medal of Valor “for his courageous actions in the line of duty,” the patrol wrote in a news release. “(He was) dedicated to apprehending impaired drivers from Nevada’s roadways, Trooper May received numerous awards for his contributions in the prevention and enforcement of impaired drivers.”
Gov. Steve Sisolak, who noted that flags would be lowered in his honor, said that he and his wife, Kathy, were “heartbroken” by the news.
“Micah passed away while bravely protecting his community, and while he has reached his end of watch, his heroic actions and contributions to the state of Nevada will never be forgotten,” Sisolak said in a written statement. “Kathy and I extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, his family, his loved ones, and the entire law enforcement community during this incredibly difficult time.”
“Trooper May’s heroism exemplified the definition of a silent guardian. His dedication and service will never be forgotten,” said Nevada Department of Public Safety Director George Togliatti in a statement. “Our hearts go out to this grieving family.”
Law enforcement agencies quickly took to Twitter to offer condolences to their community partner, including the FBI, the Nye County Sheriff’s Office, and Metro Police, which wrote: “Our hearts are broken and we are simply devastated. We grieve with our brothers and sisters from @NHPSouthernComm along with Trooper Micah May’s family and friends. Rest easy, sir.”
“Trooper May gave his life in service to the residents and visitors of Clark County and this state,” said Clark County Commission Chairwoman Marilyn Kirkpatrick in a news release. “His premature death is a tragic loss for his family and friends, his colleagues, and all of us who appreciate the important public safety work of the Nevada Highway Patrol.”
May was trying to lay down stop sticks on Interstate 15 midday Tuesday when he was hit by a sedan driven by Douglas Joseph Claiborne, 60.
The impact caused May to go through the windshield of the moving car, according to radio traffic uploaded online.
It wasn’t long before troopers stopped Claiborne and then fatally shot him. The Clark County Coroner’s Office said that Claiborne died from gunshot wounds to his head and torso.
Officials haven’t disclosed the reason for the shooting and have provided little information on the chase.
It wasn’t clear where the pursuit began, but it led troopers to surface streets in North Las Vegas, where city police officers joined in.
According to the radio traffic, which captured about 40 minutes of the incident, Claiborne evaded several attempts by officers to deflate the tires of the sedan he was driving.
May was hit on southbound 1-15 near the Sahara Avenue exit. The pursuit ended before the Spring Mountain Road exit.
May was flown to UMC in a helicopter operated by Metro, which is investigating the shooting.
