Man shot by police officer in bar identified
A man shot and killed by Las Vegas police Tuesday night was identified Wednesday morning.
Mauricio Hernandez, 23, of Las Vegas was shot by an officer who was performing a routine check at The Bar, 1987 N. Nellis Blvd., near East Lake Mead Boulevard.
Police said that the officer was on regular patrol. When he entered the bar, Hernandez turned, looked at him and fired a gun.
The officer then drew his gun and fired. Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene.
It’s unclear how many shots the officer fired.
Police are trying to determine whether Hernandez was connected to an earlier shooting of a man at his home near Lake Mead and Lamb boulevards, not far from the bar.
Homicide Lt. Lew Roberts said police have not yet determined why the suspect fired at the officer.
“He could have just been off-kilter,” Roberts said.
According to Clark County court records, Hernandez pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for possession of stolen property in August 2009. He was sentenced to 40 hours of community service, which he completed.
The officer involved will be placed on routine paid administrative leave. His name will be released 48 hours after the shooting per police department policy.
Contact reporter Mike Blasky at mblasky@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283.
