Startled officer fires shot at person taking shortcut

Las Vegas police said Wednesday an officer responding to a report of a possible prowler fired his gun Tuesday night at a person who startled the officer while taking a shortcut through a neighborhood near Desert Inn and Sandhill roads.

Police said the incident occurred at 8:37 p.m. on the 3900 block of Cherokee Avenue. The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Police said officers were speaking with the person who reported the prowler when a male “appeared on the wall of the residence,” startling the officer, who fired one round.

Police said the person who was shot at was interviewed and it was determined he was not the prowler, but was taking a shortcut. He was not armed and won’t face charges.

The officer’s actions will be reviewed by the department’s use of force board, which can recommend discipline against officers found to have violated department policy. Discipline recommendations can range from a written reprimand to termination.

The process is not open to the public.