Coroner plans inquest into police shooting

Karen Zekan

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 1999 | 11:15 a.m.

A coroner's inquest into an officer-involved fatal shooting of a 21-year-old Henderson man last week has been scheduled for the second week of March, Clark County Coroner Ron Flud said.

The coroner said he is aiming to hold the proceeding March 12, although he still needs confirmation of courtroom availability.

Henderson Police are continuing their investigation into Thursday afternoon's violent encounter at the Oasis Greens Apartments, 2001 Ramrod Ave., near Mountain Vista Street and Sunset Road.

Officer Brian Flatt, a four-year veteran, was stabbed twice in the left arm and slashed once above his left ear by a man identified by police as J.C. Daniels.

Henderson Police Chief Tommy Burns said the officer pulled his handgun and fired in self-defense, killing Daniels at the bottom of the stairwell leading to his ex-girlfriend's apartment.

Flatt and his partner had gone to the complex after a woman called police for help, claiming she'd escaped after being kidnapped and beaten earlier that day by her ex-boyfriend.

Witnesses said Flatt was stabbed several times and was trying to back away when he pulled his weapon and fired multiple rounds. Daniels died instantly.

Flatt remains on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the coroner's inquest.

Burns said the department has been in contact with Daniels' family, and that they are cooperating with the investigation.

Although a department's efforts to assist its officers in the wake of traumatic events is typically held confidential, Burns did say that officers from Metro's Police Employees Assistance Program have been working with Henderson Police since Thursday.

The program was created in 1984 to provide a resource for police for any reason complicating their lives, from on-the-job stress to personal problems such as divorce, financial troubles or gambling.

It provides internal support as well as directing individuals when necessary to qualified professionals for counseling, legal advice or other help within the community.