Las Vegas Drive-Thru Shooting Leaves Suspect Dead, 10th Officer-Involved Incident of 2023

Las Vegas, NV – December 29, 2023 – A stolen vehicle chase culminated in a fatal officer-involved shooting Thursday night in the drive-thru lane of a Las Vegas fast-food restaurant. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), the incident marks the 10th officer-involved shooting of 2023 in the city.

Officers were alerted to a stolen vehicle near the 1800 block of West Charleston Boulevard at approximately 9:27 p.m. Locating the vehicle in a drive-thru lane, they initiated a “high-risk vehicle stop.”

The passenger side door opened, and the suspect exited the vehicle, fleeing on foot towards the 1700 block of West Charleston Boulevard. A foot pursuit ensued, and the suspect reportedly produced a firearm, prompting officers to discharge their weapons.

Medical personnel at the scene pronounced the suspect dead. The driver of the stolen vehicle was taken into custody, but their identity and charges remain undisclosed.

“This is the 10th officer-involved shooting of 2023,” LVMPD stated in a press release. “Per LVMPD policy, the identity of the officers involved will be released after 48 hours.”

The shooting caused significant traffic disruptions, with both east and westbound Charleston Boulevard closed between I-15 and Shadow Lane. Wellness Way between Martin Luther King and Shadow Lane was also shut down. As of Friday morning, it’s unclear when all lanes will reopen.

While details surrounding the incident remain limited, the fatal shooting raises concerns about rising officer-involved incidents in Las Vegas. Further investigation by LVMPD is ongoing, and more information is expected to be released soon.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Credits: KTNV