NLV police officer under investigation resigns

A North Las Vegas police officer under investigation after leaving the scene of an accident has resigned, a spokesman confirmed Monday.

Officer Brian Kolstad, who had more than seven years of experience with the department, resigned Thursday, Sgt. Tim Bedwell said.

Kolstad recently received two misdemeanor citations from Las Vegas police for leaving the scene of a March 9 crash that didn't cause injuries. He also was part of a February officer-involved shooting in which he told police he was struck in the badge.

According to a Las Vegas police report, the crash occurred about 5:30 a.m. near U.S. Highway 95 and Durango Drive. The report said Kolstad made a right turn and sideswiped a car. Both drivers stopped, and the other driver called police. The report said Kolstad left the scene after 30 minutes and didn't exchange information with the other driver.

Kolstad was then found by police at a residence. He told police that he was sideswiped by the other driver and that the driver threatened him. He said he left the scene because he saw the other driver call police, the report said.

Bedwell said an administrative investigation into the crash has been stopped.

"There's no reason to continue an investigation against someone we can't discipline if found responsible," he said.

On Feb. 17, Kolstad fired his weapon at a person acting suspiciously outside an apartment complex near Losee Road and Deer Springs Way. Police said he fired his weapon after hearing gunshots.

When Kolstad tried to stop the person, an exchange of gunfire broke out, police said, upon which he was struck in the police badge and the suspect fled.

A criminal investigation into the shooting will continue. Bedwell said he expects the investigation to be completed in May.