Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 | 4:53 p.m.
Metro Police today released details on an officer-involved shooting early Tuesday that resulted in a fatality, according to a news release.
According to police, an officer, who was unidentified, conducting routine patrol found two people sitting inside a Jeep Liberty parked in the area of Liberace Avenue and Sherwood Street before turning around and to investigate the vehicle at about 1:47 a.m.
When the officer approached the Jeep, he observed the driver, later identified as Lee Derek Larson, 46, back into and strike and unoccupied parked vehicle. Larson and the passenger exited the Jeep to assess the damage.
The officer excited his vehicle and directed the Jeep’s occupants over to him.
Larson took off running, according to the release, and a foot chase ensued. During the pursuit, Larson allegedly pointed a firearm at the pursuing officerbefore running into an alley in the 2500 block of Sherwood Street.
Officers Jae Masten and Wesley Merren arrived in the area to assist and encountered Larson in the alley. The officers told him to drop his weapon.
The release stated that Larson refused to comply and the officers fired their guns, striking him.
Officers rendered aid to Larson until medical personnel arrived, who later declared Larson dead at the scene.
Masten, 29, and Merren, 37, have both been with Metro since 2021.
The incident is being reviewed by police.
Police posted a video of a briefing with Assistant Sheriff Yasenia Yatomi discussing the details.
