Man shot by police in fair condition

Monday, Jan. 21, 2002 | 9:39 a.m.

A 47-year-old Las Vegas man shot by Metro Police Friday after he allegedly pulled a metal item from his pants pocket remained in University Medical Center this morning.

John Slayden, Jr., reported in fair condition today, will be charged with assault with a deadly weapon, police said.

Police were called to the American Foundation for Ballet and Fencing studio at Desert Inn Road and the Pecos-McLeod connector after a man was observed loitering outside the studio as female dance students were practicing inside.

Two patrol officers arrived in separate cars as the suspect walked away from the studio, Metro Capt. Dennis Cobb said.

As one of the officers tried to stop the suspect, the man walked aggressively toward the policeman and pulled an object out of his pocket, Cobb said. The officer fired several shots, Cobb said.

The metal item was an L-shaped piece of metal, part of a pipe wrench, Cobb said.

Slayden is a three-time convicted felon for robbery, once in 1995 in Nevada and twice in Missouri in 1972 and again in 1981, police said.

The identity of the officer, who was put on routine paid administrative leave, was withheld for 48 hours, per Metro Police policy.

Children from 3 years of age through adults practice dance and fencing at the studio, said fencing master Mel North, owner of the studio.