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Charges Filed Against Man Shot By Police Who Wielded Fake Gun

Authorities say a man with a fake gun shot in the shoulder by Las Vegas police now faces criminal charges.

Police said Thursday that 42-year-old Juan Carlos Lopez-Aguilar faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon and resisting an officer with a firearm.

Police said state law defining the charges indicate they can apply to the perception of a deadly weapon and firearm, even when the gun turns out to be fake.

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The man on Feb. 29 was reported to be yelling and pointing a gun in a residential area.

Police said Sgt. William Matchko fired one shot after telling him to drop the reported gun, but Lopez-Aguilar didn't comply and appeared to be loading it.

Lopez-Aguilar is hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. It's unclear if he has an attorney.