The fatal shooting of Brandon Durham by Metropolitan Police Department officer Alexander Bookman on Thursday has sparked controversy and differing opinions from Durham’s family, law enforcement, and police use-of-force experts. One expert called the shooting “very questionable,” while another deemed it “objectively reasonable.”
Looking back at previous controversial shootings involving the Metropolitan Police Department, we find a pattern of questionable incidents that have raised concerns over the years.
In 1996, Metro officer George “Gregg” Pease fatally shot a homeless man named Henry Rowe during a response to a potential burglary. This was Pease’s third fatal shooting within five years. The officer claimed self-defense, and a jury eventually ruled in his favor, determining that the use of deadly force was justified. Pease faced further controversy when he was accused of theft in 2004 and resigned in 2005.
In 2010, Trevon Cole was shot in the head by a Metro police officer during a drug raid on his apartment. The officer, Bryan Yant, targeted Cole based on faulty information, leading to a tragic outcome. The coroner’s inquest revealed inconsistencies in Yant’s description of the events, raising doubts about the justification of the shooting.
That same year, Erik Scott was fatally shot by police officers outside a Costco store in Summerlin. Scott, who was legally carrying a concealed weapon, was confronted by officers after store employees reported his gun. Conflicting testimonies emerged about whether Scott posed a threat to the officers before being shot seven times.
In 2011, Stanley Gibson was killed by veteran officer Jesus Arevalo after a 30-minute standoff with Metro police. Gibson, who suffered from PTSD and was not taking his medications, was surrounded by officers in his car. Despite not posing a threat or being armed, Gibson was shot and killed by Arevalo during the encounter.
These incidents highlight the complexities and controversies surrounding police shootings in Las Vegas. Questions about the use of force, officer accountability, and the handling of individuals with mental health issues continue to be raised in the aftermath of these tragic events. As the community grapples with these issues, it is essential to seek transparency, accountability, and justice in all police-involved shootings.
For further information on this topic, you can contact Akiya Dillon at adillon@reviewjournal.com.
