On Monday, Assistant Sheriff Jamie Prosser provided details about a police incident that resulted in an officer-involved shooting at The Tides apartment complex following a vehicle pursuit. The incident began when officers spotted a stolen license plate, leading to a chase through Las Vegas streets.

The pursuit, tracked by a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) helicopter, culminated at The Tides apartment complex near Tropicana Avenue and Nellis Boulevard. The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Jose Contreras-Mungia, exited the vehicle and attempted to enter the complex’s leasing office, only to find the door locked.

Body camera footage captured the intense moments as Officer Jordan Richards pursued Contreras-Mungia on foot. According to Prosser, when Contreras-Mungia realized the door was locked, he turned to Richards and pointed a firearm. In response, Richards fired, striking Contreras-Mungia. The suspect sustained injuries but is expected to recover.

“This technology is definitely useful,” Prosser stated, referring to the automated license plate reader that first detected the stolen plate at a gas station, enabling the pursuit. “In this particular situation, it definitely worked to our benefit. We were able to apprehend a violent fleeing suspect who clearly had a disregard for human life. As you can see, he pointed a firearm at our cop.”

Contreras-Mungia now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder of a first responder. He is set to appear in court on Tuesday morning. A female passenger was also taken into custody and booked for obstruction.

The incident highlights the LVMPD’s reliance on advanced technology like automated license plate readers to track and apprehend suspects, especially in dangerous situations where officers and public safety are at risk.

Source: News3LV