Officer, suspect in fatal Laughlin police shooting identified
Officials have identified the people involved in the officer-involved shooting in Laughlin Friday night.
Police shot a man outside the South Pointe Market, a gas station and convenience store in the 3600 block of Needles Highway, just moments after he is alleged to have robbed it at gunpoint at 10:58 p.m.
Medics pronounced him dead a few moments later.
The Clark County coroner’s office has identified the suspect as 28-year-old Zachary Ryan Andrews. He died from multiple gunshot wounds.
The police officer involved in the shooting has been identified as 37-year-old Samuel Solorio.
Solorio has been involved in two previous non-fatal shootings, accordng to news reports.
On March 16, 2000, Solorio and officer Michael Maloof opened fire on 18-year-old Roy Caton Palmer, shooting him four times. The officers were called to a domestic disturbance and thought Palmer had pointed a gun at them. The gun in question was later identified as a pellet gun.
On Sept. 6, 2001, Solorio responded to a call about a robbery at a Jack in the Box near Nellis Air Force Base. Solorio saw 26-year-old Roy Philson fleeing on foot and pursued him in his patrol car. Solorio pinned Philson against the wall of a nearby restaurant with his patrol car after the suspect fired a gun at him. Solorio shot Philson twice in the arm and shoulder after the suspect raised his gun again.
Solorio joined the Las Vegas police force in July of 1998. He is currently assigned to the resident section of Laughlin.
He has been placed on routine paid administrative leave pending the outcome of a review of the latest event.
Contact reporter Wesley Juhl at wjuhl@reviewjournal.com and (702) 383-0381. Follow him on Twitter @WesJuhl.
