Man killed in fight with officer

Monday, May 16, 2005 | 9:50 a.m.

A Metro Police officer shot and killed a man who allegedly beat the officer with his own baton outside a market in northeast Las Vegas, authorities said.

The man, whose name has not yet been released, was taken to University Medical Center, where he died.

Police were called to the Liborio Market near Lamb Boulevard and Washington Avenue about 9:30 p.m. after a man began threatening employees and patrons and trying to get into parked cars, Capt. Jim Dillon of Metro's robbery/homicide bureau said.

When a patrol officer arrived the suspect tried to run away. The officer used his Taser gun on him, Dillon said, but it did not subdue him.

The man grabbed the officer's Taser gun, and the officer pulled out his baton but that also had little effect on the suspect, Dillon said. The suspect became increasing aggressive and took the baton from the officer.

As the suspect began to attack the officer with his own baton, the officer shot the suspect multiple times, Dillon said. The suspect was taken to University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

The officer, whose name will be released 48 hours after the incident in accordance with department policy, has been placed on administrative leave.

A man who declined to give his name was waiting for a bus on Washington said he heard eight to 10 shots fired.

A small pile of clothing and what appeared to be a stick or a baton remained on the pavement for hours as police talked to numerous witnesses, trying to piece together the shooting.

A worker at the market who witnessed the incident, but declined to give his name, said the man shot was bothering people in the market's parking lot. He said he didn't see what led up to the shooting, but heard the shots and saw the man crumble to the ground.

Sun reporter

Jen Lawson contributed to this story.