Suspect, 24, Arrested After Fatally Shooting Las Vegas Metro Officer
Officer Truong Thai, a 23-year veteran of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, died after being fatally shot on Oct. 13.
According to a statement by Las Vegas Metro Police, the suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Tyson Hampton, fired at officers. This caused Officer Thai to be fatally struck with gunfire. A citizen was also struck and had non life-threatening injuries.
Initially, Las Vegas Metro Police Department Dispatch received a call of a domestic disturbance in the 800 block of East Flamingo Road, LVMPD’s statement said. Officers contacted the suspect vehicle near the intersection of University Center and Flamingo. Hampton was armed with a firearm and, according to Las Vegas Metro, fired at officers.
“The two officers discharged their duty weapons. An officer and a citizen were struck by gunfire and were transported to a local hospital,” the police department’s statement reads.
The citizen is being treated for non-life threatening injuries. Officer Thai, however, was pronounced dead at the hospital. Thai was 49-years-old and had been with the Las Vegas Metro Police since 1999.
According to Las Vegas Metro Police’s social media, Officer Truong Thai was passionate about training new officers. He held various roles during his time at LVMPD, including being a firearms instructor.
After the shooting, Hampton, the suspect, allegedly fled the area. But, officers eventually took him into custody with the assistance of the K9 unit near Desert Inn Road and Eastern Avenue. Hampton received medical attention, and officials then transported him to Clark County Detention Center.
This is the 10th officer-involved shooting in 2022, LVMPD reports. The identity of the officers involved with this situation will be released after 48 hours.
Metro is also warning people against fraudulent donation accounts. The department is asking people to not provide donations to random sites due to fraud. The Injured Police Officers Fund is the only approved donation point. Visit www.IPOF.vegas for more information.
