LAS VEGAS (AP) — The killing of an unarmed suspect by Las Vegas police on New Year's Eve has raised concerns about miscommunication and decision-making in the police department already under fire for its use of deadly force.
Las Vegas police got a call from U.S. marshals on New Year's Eve asking for help arresting an armed fugitive wanted for attempted murder. Within moments, the suspect, Keith Childress, a 23-year-old father of two, had been shot five times and later died.
In the days that followed, authorities learned that Childress was not wanted for attempted murder, but for missing court on robbery and assault convictions, and had been carrying a cellphone, not a weapon.
Las Vegas undersheriff Kevin McMahill called the death a tragedy that could impact how his department relays information and provides assistance to other agencies.