LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A 30-year-old officer with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and a suspect are dead after a shooting Tuesday afternoon in the east valley, according to Sheriff Kevin McMahill.
WATCH | Sheriff McMahill holds a press conference outside the hospital, announcing the death of the officer:
The incident happened just before 4 p.m. in the 4500 block of East Tropicana Avenue near I-11 and Mountain Vista Street. The officer had been with the department since November 2023.
According to McMahill, dispatch received a call about a person who appeared intoxicated, waving a firearm at a business in the 4500 block of East Tropicana Avenue. Captain Adam Seely said officers made contact with the suspect in the 5400 block of Mountain Vista Street and "he immediately opened fire upon officers."
"Officers made contact with the suspect and a gun battle ensued," McMahill said. "Unfortunately, our officer has passed."
WATCH | Procession held for fallen officer:
McMahill said the officer, who was pronounced dead at University Medical Center, was also a U.S. Marine veteran.
"As you can imagine, I have lots of grieving police officers, a grieving community," McMahill said. "I haven't been to the scene yet. I came directly [to the hospital] to see our officer and his family."
No identifying information was provided about the suspect. Seely said he was pronounced dead at the scene after at least one officer returned fire.
"It's a difficult time for the police department right now," Seely said. "We have an officer that we need to bury and a life that we need to honor."
WATCH | Captain Adam Seely with LVMPD provides preliminary details in shooting investigation:
LVMPD said this is the ninth officer-involved shooting so far this year. Police have since identified the officer who was killed as 30-year-old Austin Abdelnabi. The other officer, 29-year-old Enrique Molinet, was placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation.
Both officers were assigned to the Southeast Area Command, LVMPD officials noted.
Gov. Joe Lombardo shared the following statement:
“This evening, Nevada lost one of its own as a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer was killed in the line of duty.
Donna and I are praying for this officer’s family, loved ones, and every member of the Metro family as they mourn this heartbreaking loss. We will never forget this officer’s sacrifice, and we will always stand with the brave men and women of law enforcement who risk their lives to protect our communities.”
