LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The North Las Vegas Police Department has released more information about an officer-involved shooting on New Year’s Eve, including the names of the suspect and the officers involved.
Police were initially called to the area of Civic Center and Carey at approximately 7 p.m. on December 31, 2023. Officers received multiple calls reporting an argument involving a man armed with a gun.
That man drove away from the scene before NLVPD officers arrived. Witnesses there told investigators that the suspect, Javier Flores, 39, was holding two guns while threatening people at a residence. Officers found out that the man left the scene with a child inside his car, and police could be heard referring to a 9-year-old in body-worn camera footage.
Dispatch received a separate call at approximately 8 p.m. and determined that it was pertaining to the same suspect. Officers went to a different address, but the man left before they arrived once again. The suspect then returned to the property while police were still there.
“Due to the fact that the suspect was believed to be armed, the officers drew their firearms and repeatedly ordered the suspect to stop his vehicle,” an NLVPD spokesperson reported. Officers told him in English and Spanish to put his hands up.
When he exited his vehicle holding a gun, police shot and killed the suspect. They found him in possession of a handgun with an obliterated serial number. No officers or bystanders were injured.
The officers involved in the incident and the number of shots each fired are as follows:
- Officer Jesus Cruz (six shots)
- Officer Ty Tolar (10 shots)
- Officer Forrest Walker (eight shots)
All three are on paid administrative leave while an investigation is conducted. Court records revealed that Flores had past criminal charges including assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a gun that could endanger others and child abuse.
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