Metro officer fatally shoots man after scuffle with police

By Rich Coleman

Published Friday, May 27, 2011 | 8:18 a.m.

Updated Friday, May 27, 2011 | 5:25 p.m.

A Metro Police officer fatally shot a man Friday morning in the northeast valley after responding to a domestic disturbance.

Police responded to reports of the disturbance at 7:33 a.m. in the 2900 block of Theresa Avenue, near Washington Avenue and Mojave Road. Metro spokesman Officer Marcus Martin said officers received reports that a man was trying to stab a woman with a screwdriver.

When officers arrived, police heard an altercation inside the house. After entering, they went to a back room and found a 36-year-old man assaulting a woman, police said.

Officers gave commands in Spanish and English for the suspect to release the woman, but the man didn't heed the officers’ commands, police said. An altercation with officers ensued and police tried to use a Taser on the man twice, but it had no effect, Martin said.

The man then reached for another officer’s Taser, prompting an officer to shoot the man, police said. The man died at the scene. The woman had no serious injuries, Martin said.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Martin said there is a possibility the man had tried to use scissors as a weapon during the incident.

The Clark County Coroner’s Office will identify the man.

The officers have been placed on paid administrative leave and will be identified after 48 hours, which is standard policy in cases of officer-involved shootings.

Sun reporter Paul Takahashi contributed to this report.