Police say suspect fired at officers, bystander before he was shot

A domestic violence suspect shot by police in the northwest valley Thursday night had fired multiple shots at officers, as well as an innocent bystander, before police returned fire, Las Vegas police said.

Police said officers were responding to a domestic violence call at a home at 3908 Applecrest St., near Alexander Road and Rancho Drive about 10:02 p.m.

A woman had called 911 and said her ex-boyfriend was outside the home armed with a handgun, police said.

A police air unit arrived before patrol officers and reported the suspect, later identified as 27-year-old Jason Vanbuskirk, was hiding behind a truck and armed with a firearm, police said.

Officers approaching the area on the ground were immediately fired upon by Vanbuskirk, police said. Three officers returned fire, striking and incapacitating him, police said.

Vanbuskirk was transported to University Medical Center in critical condition, police said. An initial report which said he had died was corrected by police early Friday morning.

An investigation after the shooting revealed Vanbuskirk had fired at least twice at a person riding a moped in the area. The moped rider was not injured.

Vanbuskirk has been charged with three counts of attempted murder on a police officer, as well as one count of attempted murder with a deadly weapon.

The three officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave. Their names will be released 48 hours after the incident.

No officer was injured in the shooting.

Contact reporter Mike Blasky at mblasky@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283.