Jose Saenz Jr. dies in fatal Las Vegas shooting
Fatal Las Vegas shooting death of Jose Saenz Jr.
LAS VEGAS — A fatal shooting by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers involving Jose Saenz Jr. is currently under review by authorities. The incident, which occurred last February, began with reports of a man identified as Saenz Jr. acting erratically, specifically noted for cutting his arm with a sharp object.
Upon their arrival at the scene, officers notified dispatch that the individual was perceived to be brandishing a sword-like weapon and disregarding instructions to cease his actions immediately.
According to official accounts from the Metropolitan Police Department, law enforcement utilized a Taser in an attempt to de-escalate the situation and apprehend Saenz Jr. following his continued advance towards officers. Tragically, after Saenz Jr. fell but subsequently got back up, the officers were forced to open fire, an event captured on available video recordings which depict officers ordering him to stop and the fatal shots being fired.
The injured man was rushed to a nearby medical facility where, despite the best efforts of hospital staff, he was pronounced deceased. Subsequent examination by the coroner’s office revealed the presence of substances consistent with alcohol and drug intoxication in Saenz Jr.’s body at the time of his death.
Further investigation confirmed that the item Saenz Jr. was holding when he was shot was indeed a sharp metal bar, which may have contributed to the fatal outcome, though the primary cause of death was attributed to the gunshot wound.
This incident continues to be investigated, with the review examining the officers’ compliance with departmental protocols and the use of force employed in the situation. The ongoing assessment aims to provide clarity on the events leading up to the fatal encounter and ensure adherence to established procedures.
