Four Arrested After LV Detectives Ambushed in Hardened Criminal Takedown

A tense showdown erupted late June 22 when Las Vegas Metro Police detectives, investigating an early morning drive-by shooting, found themselves under fire during a follow-up surveillance operation. Detectives tailed two vehicles—initially spotted in a church parking lot—before locating them near Lone Mountain Road and Scott Robinson Boulevard. Suddenly, an occupant of the black Nissan opened fire, shredding bullets across two police vehicles.

Detective Strahinja Pavlovic, a tenacious 32-year veteran of LVMPD, was behind the wheel when his vehicle was struck. He returned fire, discharging five rounds before the attackers fled. Within hours, law enforcement had tracked down and arrested four suspects, including a 14‑year‑old juvenile. They recovered four guns, two of which dropped from the youth’s waistband.

One suspect is in critical condition; another sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Fortunately, no officers were hurt. The three adults face charges ranging from attempted murder to conspiracy and assault with a firearm, while the juvenile is charged as well and will likely face court as an adult.

This incident marks the fourth officer-involved shooting in 2025 for LVMPD—a sharp contrast to the previous year’s five (all fatal). LVMPD’s Critical Incident Review Team is now examining the case, scrutinizing policies, tactics, and the use of force.

This confrontation raises critical questions about the violent extremes that criminals will go to evade justice. It also underscores the relentless courage of law enforcement officers tasked with protecting our streets. As this case unfolds, we must ask: Are we empowering our officers adequately to respond decisively? Will the judicial system prioritize public safety over lenient sentencing? This is a moment for accountability, not ambivalence.

Original source: KSNV/KTNV