North Las Vegas identifies officer in fatal shooting
The North Las Vegas police officer involved in a deadly shooting last week has been identified.
Officer Robert Makinster shot and killed Kenneth Alan Johnson, 34, after he pulled out a replica gun while being chased, according to the department. Police tried to stop Johnson, who was riding a moped, but he didn’t pull over.
After a slow-speed pursuit and a foot chase, Johnson pulled out a pellet gun that resembled a black semi-automatic weapon, police said. Police said there were multiple officers involved, but only Makinster fired, striking Johnson who later died at University Medical Center.
Makinster has been an officer with the department for six years. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and Makinster remains on paid leave, which is routine in shootings involving officers.
Makinster also was involved in a deadly shooting in March 2013.
North Las Vegas police officers, Makinster and Christopher Coloma, shot and wounded Robert Crampton, whose roommates called authorities because he was suicidal. After an hour, police worried Crampton might have hurt himself and entered his home. He fired at the officers, who shot back and wounded him.
Contact Wesley Juhl at wjuhl@reviewjournal.com and 702-383-0381. Find him on Twitter: @WesJuhl.
