Date set for public review of evidence in Las Vegas chokehold case

A date has been set for a public review of evidence presented to a grand jury in the recently dismissed manslaughter case involving a former Las Vegas police officer.

The ex-officer, Kenneth Lopera, avoided an indictment last month, and the criminal charges in his case were dropped last week.

The review of evidence is scheduled for Sept. 11 at 9 a.m. at the Clark County Government Center, 500 Grand Central Parkway.

Lopera was charged last year with involuntary manslaughter and oppression under color of office in the death of 40-year-old Tashii Brown, but the case was later referred to a grand jury.

Police said Brown was acting erratically in The Venetian around 1 a.m. May 14 before he began running from officers. After catching him outside the casino, Lopera stunned Brown with a Taser seven times and repeatedly punched him before putting him in a chokehold for more than a minute. Lopera suspected Brown was trying to steal a truck.

Police have said Brown would not have been charged with a crime had he survived. Lopera retired from the police force.

At next month’s review, the public will be able to submit written questions that may be read by an ombudsperson.

The Review-Journal is owned by the family of Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson. Las Vegas Sands operates The Venetian and Palazzo.

Contact Blake Apgar at bapgar@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5298. Follow @blakeapgar on Twitter.