Sheriff: 23-year veteran Las Vegas police officer killed responding to domestic disturbance

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officer was killed in the line of duty on Thursday morning while responding to a domestic disturbance call, Sheriff Joe Lombardo said.

Officer Truong Thai was among two officers dispatched to the area of 800 East Flamingo Road, near University Center Drive, just after 1 a.m.

The officers made contact with an armed suspect inside a vehicle, and he shot at them, Lombardo said. Both officers discharged their weapons.

Thai was shot in the torso and critically injured. He was transported to Sunrise Hospital, where he died with his ex-wife and daughter by his side, Lombardo said.

"This incident illustrates the danger our officers face every day just putting on the uniform and doing their job," Lombardo said.

A civilian was also struck by gunfire during the shootout and was taken to an area hospital for treatment, Lombardo said.

The suspect, since identified as 24-year-old Tyson Hampton, fled the area after the shooting. He was apprehended in the area of Desert Inn Road and Eastern Avenue with the help of a K-9 unit, Lombardo said. Hampton sustained minor injuries during his arrest, he added.

Thai, 49, worked as an LVMPD officer for more than two decades, beginning his career in 1999. He was assigned to the South Central Area Command, Lombardo said.

Throughout his 23-year career, Thai held various roles within LVMPD, including as a firearms instructor. LVMPD says he was passionate about training new officers.

Community shares their condolences:

"Kathy and I are devastated to hear the news about Officer Truong Thai," Gov. Steve Sisolak stated in response to the news of Thai's killing. "Officers and first responders put their lives on the line every day to help keep us safe. Kathy and I are keeping Officer Thai’s family, friends, and loved ones in our hearts during this difficult time."

"Tragic news for our city that an LVMPD officer was shot and killed this morning," Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman wrote on Twitter. "We are thinking of the officer's family and coworkers. God bless all those who serve and protect."

"This is horrible, tragic news. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and all of Metro. May God console you," wrote Attorney General Aaron D. Ford.

"My heart goes out to Officer Thai’s family and the entire LVMPD community," Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) wrote. "I’m thankful every day for the brave law enforcement officers who protect our communities."

"Our deepest condolences to Officer Thai's family and to our brothers and sisters at LVMPD," Nevada State Police wrote on Twitter.

"Clark County joins with the entire community in mourning the death of Officer Truong Thai, following his tragic death in the line of duty while serving and protecting others. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and the entire LVMPD force," a county spokesperson wrote Thursday.

"Our community and the LVMPD family has suffered a tragic loss of life in the line of duty," Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft (District A) wrote on Twitter. "I'm devastated for their loved ones, thinking of the men and women of South Central Area Command, and mourning alongside all southern Nevadas. May his memory be a blessing."

Hampton is set to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Friday.

This is a developing story.