A body camera footage from a cop-involved shooting earlier this month showed a suspect running away before shooting the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police (LVMP) officer.
The incident happened on Sept. 10 when cops, including 24-year-old officer Tierney Tomburo, were patrolling an area near Flamingo Road and University Center Drive, reported 8 NewsNow.com.
Last week, Assistant Sheriff John McGrath said in a media conference that cops were patrolling the area as it is known as a hotspot for violent crime. He shared that a Buick with three men inside was stopped for a traffic violation at 1.13 a.m. The three male occupants were told to get out of the car and walk toward a Metro patrol vehicle. The men complied until the 27-year-old suspect, Gabriel Charles, ran away before frisking.
Tomburo briefly chased him through the parking lot of an apartment complex, McGrath said. Then he turned and fired a round at the cop. She was hit in the pelvis and collapsed. But she also fired four rounds in his direction. They struck him. Tomburo was taken to University Medical Center and was released later. On the other hand, Charles was taken to a nearby hospital and was pronounced dead there.
McGrath said that had he lived, he would have been charged with attempted murder with a deadly weapon on a protected person. Other charges would have been battery with a deadly weapon, resisting with a firearm, and possessing a firearm as a prohibited person.
As for the driver of the Buick, he was arrested on driving under the influence (DUI) charges, and the third man was not charged.
Two days after the shooting, a video was released by LVMPD that showed Tomburo leaving the hospital. Her fellow officers were lined up to greet her.
Moments ago:
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) September 12, 2022
LVMPD Ofc. Tomburo from @LVMPDSCAC was released from @UMCSN. She was shot during an incident early Sat. morning.
Officers lined up to send her home as she continues to recover from her injuries _
We appreciate all of the concern and well wishes for Ofc. Tomburo. pic.twitter.com/WCFbJxTbHS
LVMPD said in a statement that they appreciated "all of the concern and well wishes for Ofc. Tomburo," reported Fox News.
Pending the outcome of an investigation into the shooting, Tomburo, who has been with the department since 2020, was placed on paid administrative leave.
McGrath said that he didn’t know when she would be able to return to work, but he noted that "she’s a great example of a hero police officer." He added that she showed her courage, "she showed calm under pressure, and I think she did an outstanding job and we’re all very proud of her.”
But McGrath declined to release more information about Charles’ past or his criminal history.
New Hampshire Union Leader reported that it was the eighth Metro police shooting in 2022, and of those eight, five have been fatal, said McGrath.
