LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — A shooting at the Aliante Hotel and Casino in North Las Vegas early Thursday morning has left one person dead. The incident occurred around 4 a.m., and while the hotel remains open, the area around the sportsbook is currently cordoned off with crime scene tape. The suspect, now in custody, is accused of embarking on a lengthy crime spree across the Las Vegas valley.
According to police, the spree included three carjackings and multiple crashes, culminating at Boulder Highway and Sahara. The series of events began with a crash involving the suspect's vehicle at Spring Mountain and I-15. During the investigation of this crash, authorities received a report of a carjacking.
Utilizing license plate readers, police located the stolen vehicle in the downtown area, initiating a high-speed pursuit. During the chase, the suspect abandoned the first car and carjacked a second vehicle at a drive-thru. After crashing this vehicle, the suspect carjacked a third person.
Undersheriff Andrew Walsh provided further details, stating, "3 carjackings and an unknown number of people that are actually injured, when the suspect crashed into that bus stop. The speeds were just so fast...excess of 105 mph on Boulder Hwy." Authorities are still determining the total number of crashes and injuries caused by the suspect.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) became involved when the suspect's car was connected to the earlier shooting at the Aliante Casino Hotel Spa, which occurred just after 6:30 a.m. Walsh explained that the investigation escalated quickly as officers pursued the suspect through the east valley.
After the initial crash at Spring Mountain Road and Interstate 15, a woman was carjacked at gunpoint near Spring Mountain and Valley View Boulevard. This prompted police to deploy license plate reader technology to trace the stolen vehicle, which was seen in and around the Downtown Area Command.
As the suspect fled, he would carjack at least two more vehicles and injure multiple bystanders during the pursuit. The chase intensified as the suspect sped down Boulder Highway, carjacking another person at a fast-food drive-thru.
Walsh noted, "At one point, we believe speeds were in excess of 100 miles per hour." The suspect then crashed into a bus stop near Boulder Highway and Tropicana Avenue, injuring at least two people, with one victim reported to be in critical condition.
Following the crash, police reported that the suspect carjacked another driver, jumping into the back seat of their vehicle. The chaotic pursuit ultimately ended in the area of Boulder Highway and Sahara Avenue, where police executed a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle.
As of now, the suspect has not been publicly identified, and authorities are still piecing together details regarding the number of victims and incidents connected to this alarming spree. Walsh emphasized that the investigation is in its early stages, and officers are collecting information to determine the full scope of the events.
Drivers in the area can expect roads to be shut down for several hours as police continue their investigation. This developing story is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The incident has raised concerns about public safety in the Las Vegas area, especially given the suspect's reckless behavior during the crime spree. Community members are left shaken by the events that unfolded, particularly the shooting at the casino and the subsequent carjackings that followed.
As law enforcement works to ensure the safety of the community, they are also urging anyone with information related to the shooting or the crime spree to come forward. The police are keen on gathering as much information as possible to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In a city known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling tourism, such violent acts can have far-reaching implications, not only for the victims but also for the reputation of the area. With the ongoing investigation, local officials are hopeful that swift action will be taken to address the issues surrounding crime and safety.
Residents and visitors alike are reminded to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department remains committed to protecting the community and ensuring that justice is served in this case.
As this situation continues to develop, the community is left to grapple with the aftermath of a tragic morning that began with a shooting and spiraled into chaos across the valley.
