NMSP: Man who shot at police died of self-inflicted gunshot wound
A Las Vegas man involved in a shootout with police last month died from “an apparent” self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to investigators with New Mexico State Police.
Jeffrey Scott, 30, died July 17 after exchanging gunfire with officers from the Las Vegas Police Department. Scott had called police to report a domestic disturbance, according to NMSP, the agency investigating the
shooting.
When LVPD officers responded to Scott’s home in the 1300 block of Keen Street around 9:30 p.m. on July 17, Scott exited the home armed with a shotgun. Police say he walked toward the street, picked up a rock and told officers they’d better “back up,” according to NMSP investigators.
Scott then fired “multiple rounds” toward the officers and LVPD Officers Dennis Lujan and Elia Fasanella returned fire, according to NMSP spokesman Officer Dusty Francisco. Scott then fled on foot, running toward the south side of the residence, out of view of officers at the scene.
Officers heard the sound of one gunshot before they located Scott dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A shotgun and a revolver were found near Scott’s body, according to investigators. Scott was pronounced dead at the scene by the Office of Medical Investigator.
Officer Lujan has been employed with LVPD for approximately six years, and Officer Fasanella has been employed for approximately one year and nine months, according to Francisco with NMSP. No officers or bystanders were injured during the shooting.
Lujan and Fasanella were initially placed on a three-day paid administrative leave; they returned to shift duty July 24, according to LVPD Maj. Eric Padilla.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is still investigating the shooting, according to NMSP Lt. Mark Soriano. Once the investigation has concluded, the case will be turned over to the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s office for review.
