Jose Luis Saenz : “Homeless Man Shot by Officers for Refusing to Drop Blade”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A homeless man lost his life in a tragic incident when he was shot by Las Vegas police after refusing to drop a 29-inch blade while approaching officers. The heart-wrenching incident took place in the early hours of Tuesday morning near the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Sahara Avenue.

**Unfolding of Events**

The fire department received a distress call at 12:43 a.m. reporting a man who was bleeding profusely and seemed to be attempting to sever his own arm with what witnesses described as a sword. Upon arrival, officers encountered the man, later identified as 41-year-old Jose Luis Saenz, wielding the 29-inch blade. Body-cam footage revealed Saenz’s arm covered in blood, adding to the intensity of the situation.

**Officer Response**

Las Vegas police officers Joshua Romanski and Paul Guerrero were swiftly on the scene to handle the escalating crisis. Officer Romanski, a seasoned 37-year-old with LVMPD since 2022, was the first to engage with Saenz. The body-cam footage captured Romanski’s repeated pleas for Saenz to drop the weapon and refrain from advancing towards him. Despite the officers’ efforts to maintain a safe distance, Saenz continued to move menacingly closer.

**Use of Force**

Additional officers arrived to provide backup and attempted to deescalate the situation. A less-lethal round was deployed, striking Saenz in the lower leg and causing him to fall to the ground briefly. However, he quickly rose to his feet and persisted in following the officers. In the heat of the moment, Officer Romanski discharged three rounds, while Officer Guerrero fired two shots, which tragically struck Saenz.

**Aftermath and Legal Ramifications**

Following the shooting, officers rushed to administer vital medical aid to Saenz until emergency medical services arrived. He was swiftly transported to Sunrise Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Authorities revealed that had Saenz survived, he would have faced charges of three counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a protected person and one count of resisting with a weapon that’s not a firearm.

**Ongoing Investigation**

Both officers involved in the incident have been placed on standard paid administrative leave pending the completion of a thorough review. Las Vegas police disclosed that this marks the second officer-involved shooting and the second fatal shooting of the year in 2024.

**In Conclusion**

In a city known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment, the stark reality of such incidents serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in ensuring public safety. As the investigation unfolds, details will continue to emerge, shedding light on the circumstances that led to this tragic loss of life..