© All Rights Reserved 2026 | Privacy Policy
Tax ID / EIN: 23-7441306
Skyline of Las Vegas
Real news. Real stories. Real voices.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Supported by

Washoe County DA Says Fatal Shooting By Police Was Justified

A northern Nevada prosecutor says the fatal shooting of an armed man who didn't obey commands to put down a shotgun and raised it in the direction of officers was justified. 

Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks released his finding Friday with a 30-page report on the Oct. 22, 2017 death of Johnny B. Bonta after officers responded to a report of domestic disturbance in an apartment. 

The report said three officers fired at Bonta after he pumped a shell into the shotgun's chamber, changed his stance and then began raising the weapon toward the officers. 

The shooting occurred after officers arrived in response to a 911 call in which a girl said Bonta was intoxicated and that he was violent and suicidal when intoxicated.

Sink your teeth into our annual collection of dining — and drinking — stories, including a tally of Sin City's Tiki bars, why good bread is having a moment, and how one award-winning chef is serving up Caribbean history lessons through steak. Plus, discover how Las Vegas is a sports town, in more ways than one. Bon appétit!