On July 24, 2017, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police were fired upon by a suspect and returned fire. The wounded suspect was hit in several places, the most severe was a spurting bleed from the femoral artery. Prompt use of a tourniquet by one of the police officers saved the shooter’s life.
Initial reports are often incorrect, but this is the situation as described. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police(LVMP) found a vehicle matching the description of a vehicle used in a shooting. LVMP Patrol oficers approached the vehicle and the suspects drove away. After a short police pursuit ensued, the suspect eventually crashed, and gun fire was exchanged between the suspect and officers when the suspect fired a round into the air.
One of the suspects was hit in the leg. Spurting arterial bleeding can clearly be seen in the video. This volume of bleeding is fatal in minutes. The officer calmly places a tourniquet on the leg saving the shooter’s life. The suspects were taken to University Medical Center where they’re said to be stable.
The officer’s did a great job. None of the police officers were hurt. This is LVMPD’s 13th officer involved shooting in 2017.
Warning! Graphic shooting and bleeding video. This is disturbing and viewer discretion is advised.
Things I learned:
Calm in pursuit, the officers communicated well and left the vehicle smoothly after shoots were fired.
The Command “Get on the Ground” was probably directed at bystanders to get them out of the field of fire. Great situational awareness.
The officers moved past available cover but they could see the suspect clearly and engaged him effectively as they moved up. A huge advantage of the two officer patrol unit is seen as they address the suspect and bystanders (who may have been threats) simultaneously.
There was a good backstop, a concrete wall) behind the suspect. Officers fired many rounds, shooting until the suspect was on the ground. One officer shot to slide lock and performs an emergency reload.
Using contact and cover, one officer searches and handcuffs the suspect while his partner searches for other threats.
After the suspect is secure, they deal with the arterial bleed. The only reason this suspect lived was the availability of a tourniquet on the officer. A medical bag in the car would have been too late.
With all the tasks that a police officer must learn, first aid training is low on the list. There was some fumbling with the straps, but under stress, that class on first aid seems a long way back. These guys helped each other figure it out and save a life. This is another advantage of the two officer car.
The officers communicated with each other, maintained situational awareness and took appropriate action in a fluid and dangerous situation. There is no higher praise i can give.
This video helps us understand what police officers do everyday. Thanks to PoliceNetwork
for sharing this.
