“Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting in Las Vegas: 33-Year-Old Iesel Torres-Santiago Killed in Stolen Van Incident”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has released further information regarding a fatal officer-involved shooting that took place on December 28, 2023. Assistant Sheriff Sasha Larkin addressed the case during a media briefing held on Tuesday afternoon.

According to Sheriff Larkin, the incident unfolded after LVMPD officers received a radio call alerting them to a stolen white van near the intersection of W. Charleston Blvd. and Rancho Drive at approximately 9:27 p.m. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen on Christmas day. As the officers arrived in the vicinity, they spotted a van matching the description of the stolen vehicle parked at a drive-thru restaurant on the 1800 block of W. Charleston Blvd.

In an attempt to apprehend the suspects, the officers strategically positioned their patrol vehicles to block the van. As they exited their vehicles, one of the suspects, identified as 33-year-old Iesel Torres-Santiago, quickly fled on foot in an eastbound direction along Charleston Blvd. The police initiated a pursuit of the fleeing suspect, eventually cornering him in a parking lot on the 1700 block of W. Charleston Blvd.

Upon reaching the suspect, the first officer on the scene observed him on the ground, brandishing a firearm. Both officers present at the scene immediately issued verbal commands to the suspect, urging him to drop the weapon. Despite the officers’ instructions, the suspect failed to comply, leading them to discharge their firearms in an attempt to neutralize the threat. Tragically, the suspect sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.

The investigation into this incident is currently ongoing, with the LVMPD Critical Incident Review Team conducting a thorough examination. This review primarily focuses on evaluating the department’s policies, tactics, and training procedures as they pertain to the use of force in this particular case.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is dedicated to ensuring transparency and accountability in all law enforcement matters. By providing additional details about this officer-involved shooting, they aim to keep the public informed and maintain trust within the community..