LVPD: No suspects in weekend shooting at busy shopping center
Several gunshots rang out Sunday evening as shoppers at a busy Las Vegas strip mall wrapped up their weekends.
Up to a dozen rounds were fired in front of the O’Reilly Auto Parts in the 2500 block of Seventh Street around 4 p.m. Sunday. The bullets damaged windows and struck at least two motorcycles, according to Chief of Police Antonio Salazar.
No injuries were reported, but investigators with the Las Vegas Police Department found multiple rifle shell casings in the parking lot. According to Salazar, the weapon used was “possibly an assault rifle.” Investigators believe the rifle was the only weapon fired.
Shortly after the shooting occurred, many people speculated on social media that it was the result of a clash between two motorcycle gangs, but Salazar told the Optic that investigators have not been able to confirm involvement from any gang.
“The victims weren’t willing to cooperate, so even if it did involve biker gangs, we don’t have a motive,” Salazar said.
That lack of cooperation from those at the scene of the shooting has also prevented police from naming a suspect, or suspects, in the shooting, according to Salazar.
At minimum, the shooter could face charges of shooting at or from motor vehicle, and negligent use of a firearm, according to Salazar. Currently, the shooting isn’t considered an attempted murder or aggravated assault with a deadly weapon because the victims aren’t cooperating.
“We’re working with the DA’s office, sheriff’s office, and state police. We’re working to identify any suspects,” Salazar said. “We’re reaching out to as many agencies as we can to help us with this case.”
Salazar said he thinks the shooting was a “targeted incident,” not a random act. He also asked that anyone with information about the shooting contact LVPD at 505-425-7504.
“If the public can help with any identification of the suspects, if they’re willing to come forward … they can call the police department and request (to speak with) investigator Gerardo Lozano.”
