63°F
weather icon Clear

Central Las Vegas apartment complex evacuated after device explosion sends one to UMC

A central valley apartment complex was evacuated after an improvised firework exploded in a man’s hand Tuesday night, sending him to University Medical Center’s trauma unit.

Officers initially responded about 7 p.m. to the 5801 W. Lake Mead Blvd. complex, just east of Jones Boulevard, after reports of an explosive device going off, Metropolitan Police Department Lt. John Liberty said.

As Metro investigated the scene shortly after, officers thought they’d found another, similar device.

As a precaution, Metro’s armor unit responded to the possible second explosive device and residents at the complex were evacuated, but it was ultimately determined that what officers found was not an explosive device.

The man taken to UMC had explosives-related injuries to his hands, but Liberty said they were nonlife-threatening.

It’s unclear whether the man injured made the device, was given the device or simply happened upon it.

Contact Rachel Crosby at rcrosby@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5290. Find @rachelacrosby on Twitter.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST