Las Vegas police started a press conference Tuesday on Friday's officer-involved shooting by apologizing to the innocent bystanders who were hit.
Officer George Smith was aiming at Kahleal Black, who police said was aiming a gun at the officer, as well as a couple watching street performers and a family at the Bellagio fountains. According to police, he refused to drop his weapon.
Smith's shots missed, grazing two passersby, including a 4-year-old child. Both of them were not seriously injured.
Police said it was later discovered the gun was not loaded and it was stolen.
BELLAGIO SHOOTING: @LVMPD show where police and suspect were standing pic.twitter.com/EYuTXVR6SU
— Jess Janner Castro (@JessicaJanner) January 26, 2016
BELLAGIO SHOOTING: @LVMPD shows video of suspect threatening people with gun outside of @Bellagio fountains @KTNV pic.twitter.com/3xD4Jbmyj2
— Jess Janner Castro (@JessicaJanner) January 26, 2016
BELLAGIO SHOOTING: @LVMPD releases 911 calls from that night. Cc: @KTNV pic.twitter.com/hx2O73XqKZ
— Jess Janner Castro (@JessicaJanner) January 26, 2016
BELLAGIO SHOOTING: @LVMPD more 911 audio @ktnv pic.twitter.com/yPQhNLXJ3Z
— Jess Janner Castro (@JessicaJanner) January 26, 2016
Before the shooting, Black was escorted off the Harrah's hotel-casino property.
Police cited multiple incidents with Black in 2015. He had been a John Doe at the time, refusing to give his identity. He was not named until 3 days after his arrest Friday.
Black had been on a mental health hold previously and made suicidal threats while in custody.
Police are continuing to investigate the incident. Police said a ricocheted bullet traveled 95 yards.
Smith is on paid routine leave while the incident is being invested.
Black is expected to be in court Wednesday.
