Man shot by North Las Vegas police now facing charges
North Las Vegas police said a man who was shot by an officer Saturday night survived the shooting and is now facing felony charges.
Police spokesman Alexander Cuevas said in an email that at 9:55 p.m., police were called to the area of West Moonlight Falls Avenue and North Aliante Parkway for a man who called 911 and was “threatening to shoot himself.” At the scene, Cuevas said officers encountered Edgar Mejia-Gutierrez.
“During the call, the dispatcher advised officers that she heard what sounded like gunshots,” Cuevas said. “The man was brandishing a gun and fired it as officers arrived.”
Cuevas said a North Las Vegas officer then shot Mejia-Gutierrez, 23.
“Officers immediately provided aid, and the man was transported to University Medical Center,” Cuevas said.
Cuevas said Mejia-Gutierrez was last reported to be in “stable” condition at the hospital. He is facing four counts of assault on a protected person with use of a deadly weapon, Cuevas said.
No officers were injured. The department on Tuesday identified Officer Joshua Kleinholz as the officer who shot Mejia-Gutierrez. Kleinholz has been with the North Las Vegas Police Department for two years.
“The officer is on routine paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation,” North Las Vegas police said in a statement.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 800-273-8255, provides access to trained telephone counselors, 24/7. The Crisis Text Line is a free, national service available 24/7. Text HOME to 741741.
Contact Glenn Puit by email at gpuit@reviewjournal.com. Follow @GlennatRJ on Twitter.