Bail set at $2M for Bellagio fountain gunman

Kahleal Black, 20, who has a well-documented history of mental health interventions involving the police department, was wheeled into court with a blue blanket covering his body and wearing a spit mask over his head. He hummed loudly throughout a brief appearance before Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Conrad Hafen.

Black was taken into custody Friday night after numerous people called 911 about a man brandishing a handgun at several passers-by and motorists near the Bellagio fountains.

A married couple told police that the man pointed the gun at their heads and pulled the trigger three times. They heard three clicks, according to Black’s arrest report.

“I’m going to f—— kill everyone,” the man yelled, according to the couple’s statement.

Metro officer George Smith arrived to confront Black about five minutes later, and when orders to put his hands up went ignored, Smith fired two shots at the man from 10 yards away. Those shots missed Black and traveled approximately 95 yards — one shot narrowly missed a homeless man, only going through the shoulder of his jacket, and the other ricocheted off a column and grazed a 4-year-old boy who was sitting on his father’s shoulders to watch the fountain show.

The boy was treated at an area hospital and released in good condition, Undersheriff Kevin McMahill said.

After the court appearance, Black’s older brother, Dymond Black, told reporters that the 20-year-old needed help for his mental illness.

“I just hope my little brother gets the help he needs. He’s not a bad guy,” Dymond Black said. “The brain gets sick just like any other part of the body.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Contact David Ferrara at dferrara@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039. Find him on Twitter: @randompoker