Metro says man shot by cop will survive, IDs second cop involved
The man a Las Vegas police officer shot and critically wounded earlier this week is expected to survive, Metro said Friday.
James Nelson, 21, is recovering at Sunrise Hospital, according to Metro. He faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer and carrying a concealed weapon following the Monday shooting.
Police also identified the second officer who was there during the shooting — and who tussled with Nelson just before he was shot. He is 28-year-old Todd Fasulo Jr.
Officer Thomas Griffin, 47, shot Nelson twice, police said Friday.
Metro had responded to a robbery call about 8 p.m. near the intersection of Mountain Vista Street and Twain Avenue, near Boulder Highway. Once there, police said, they were told the robber had left.
Police then were led to The Suites apartment complex, 4855 Boulder Highway, where officers found Nelson walking “accompanied with two females.”
Fasulo tried to stop Nelson when the officers first spotted him, according to an arrest report. Fasulo pulled his gun and yelled for Nelson to get on the ground.
But Nelson ran, and Fasulo chased him, police said. A scuffle ensued.
Then Nelson pulled a gun on Fasulo, Metro said. Griffin fired several shots, striking Nelson twice.
Police said Friday they are still trying to find where Nelson got the gun because it was not registered to him.
Griffin has been placed on paid administrative leave, a routine procedure for Metro officers involved in shootings.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contact Chris Kudialis at ckudialis@reviewjournal.com
