Robber killed in break-in

A would-be robber was killed and a woman he was holding hostage was wounded in a shootout at a southwest Las Vegas Valley home early Tuesday, police said.

Lisa Ellison, a resident of Encantada, a gated community near Lindell and Warm Springs roads, was in fair condition at University Medical Center late Tuesday after being hit by bullets multiple times.

Ellison was caught in the crossfire between her husband and one or more of three robbers, Sgt. Russ Shoemaker said. It was unclear who shot her, he said.

The owner of 5402 Coral Ribbon Ave. called police about 4:41 a.m. reporting a robbery, Shoemaker said. The owner of the two-story, 1,493-square-foot home is Thomas A. Walendy, according to the Clark County Assessor's Office.

The homeowner told police he was awakened by noises and, when he investigated, saw a man choking his wife, Shoemaker said.

The homeowner retrieved a gun and returned to confront the man only to discover that the intruder had two accomplices and was demanding cash and jewelry, Shoemaker said.

The negotiation ended with guns barking out bullets. Ellison was wounded, and one of the robbers wound up dead in the backyard of the home.

Children remained asleep on the second floor of the house throughout the whole incident, Shoemaker said.

The dead man's two accomplices fled north on Lindell. Witnesses told investigators the two men got into a red four-door sedan, possibly a Dodge Neon.

Shoemaker said the man who was killed was a black man who appeared to be in his early 20s. The Clark County Coroner's office had not identified him Tuesday.

One of the robbers who escaped was wearing black clothing, including a hoodie. The other wore a red shirt and red bandana.

Shoemaker said they were both described as black, in their early 20s and of average build.

Several other recent home invasion robberies have been reported in the valley, but none could conclusively be tied to this one Tuesday, Shoemaker said.

Police spokesman Officer Bill Cassell said the robbers face possible murder, robbery and burglary charges.

The murder charge would stem from state law that indicates those involved in the commission of a robbery would be guilty of murder if someone dies.

Cassell said he did not anticipate any charges being filed against the homeowner.

Anyone with information about the case can call police at 828-3521 or Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.