Horacio Ruiz-Rodriguez, 37

Las Vegas, Nevada
January 21, 2019

Agencies: North Las Vegas Police Department Nevada

Cause of death: Shooting

Follow This Case

---

Last updated: almost 4 years ago

Overview

The man shot by North Las Vegas police has been identified by 37-year-old Horacio Ruiz-Rodriguez.

Police say they were contacted by a 35-year-old woman on Monday night who said she had been kidnapped and sexually assaulted by an acquaintance. She also told police that the person who had assaulted her killed someone before assaulting here and a body could be found underneath a bed on Glider Street.

Police officers went to the Glider Street residence to make contact with the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Horacio Ruiz-Rodriguez. Upon arrival, they found him in a vehicle. When they attempted to make contact, he became visibly agitated.

The suspect refused to obey their commands and started his car. He also told police he had a gun. He then attempted to leave but was blocked by a police vehicle. Ruiz-Rodriguez then made a move towards his waistband. Police officers opened fire, believing he as an immediate threat.

Four police officers fired approximately 18 rounds. The suspect was struck several times and pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say that if he had survived, he would have been charged with sexual assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping with a deadly weapon, murder with a deadly weapon and obstruction.

Three of the police officers who fired have several years experience, including one officer who is a trained crisis negotiator.

Community and Family Efforts

Obituary