UPDATE MARCH 12: Nye County DA will not prosecute Deputy James Ramos after concluding there was no criminal intent from the officer during the shooting last month.
UPDATE MARCH 2: Deputy James Ramos, involved in the shooting on Feb. 26, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm where a person is endangered.
The investigation into the shooting revealed that the shooting was not in accordance with Nye County Sheriff's Office policy.
ORIGINAL STORY: The Nye County Sheriff's Department has released more information about the shooting involving 2 officers earlier this week.
It happened on Feb. 26. The sheriff's department received a call from Walmart in Pahrump about 4 people (3 men and 1 woman) who were putting merchandise into suitcases.
Upon arrival, deputies were able to apprehend 3 of the people. One of the men, identified as 24-year-old Joseph Beltran of Las Vegas, ran out of a back door.
Deputy James Ramos and Deputy Xavier Vivian began pursuit of Beltran. Ramos was in his patrol car and Vivian was on foot.
Ramos caught up with Beltran first behind Walmart. He ordered Beltran to stop. When he did not, he fired one shot at Beltran.
Beltran then stopped and was placed under arrest.
Ramos has been placed on leave. When asked if the deputy would be punished for appearing to shoot at the man while he was running away, Capt. David Boruchowitz sent the following statement:
When the investigation is concluded disciplinary action will be issued as deemed appropriate. This investigation has just begun.
The other 3 people arrested in the incident are 34-year-old Larry Hermansen of Las Vegas, 34-year-old Steven Cooke of Henderson, and 29-year-old Sally Diaz of Las Vegas.
Beltran is facing charges of conspiracy to commit grand larceny; conspiracy to commit burglary; resisting a public officer; obstructing a peace officer; participation in an organized retail theft; grand larceny; and burglary.
The other suspects are also facing charges.
