Las Vegas Father Shot by Police After Calling 911 for Help

The family is in shock as they demand accountability and highlight the troubling pattern of police violence against individuals seeking help.

In a tragic incident in Las Vegas, a father of one was fatally shot by police after he dialed 911 seeking assistance while confronting an intruder in his home. The victim, 43-year-old Brandon Durham, called emergency services for help when he was reportedly involved in a struggle with a woman armed with a knife. His daughter, age 15, witnessed the incident unfold from a nearby room, expressing devastation and outrage at the police response.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that Officer Alexander Bookman, age 26, who discharged his firearm during the incident, has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. The events transpired on November 12, shortly after Durham's emergency call where he reported attempted home invasion amid gunfire in his vicinity.

Upon arriving, officers discovered significant damage to Durham's home and encountered screams coming from inside. Body camera footage reveals Officer Bookman entering the residence with his weapon drawn. He reportedly confronted Durham while the father was grappling with the intruder, later identified as 31-year-old Alejandra Boudreaux. According to the video, Officer Bookman commanded, “Drop the knife!” before firing his weapon, hitting Durham. Following this, he discharged additional bullets while ordering Durham to raise his hands.

Durham was pronounced dead at the scene, while Boudreaux was subsequently arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including home invasion with a weapon. In a statement reflecting on the tragedy, Durham's daughter expressed her feelings of disgust regarding the treatment of her father by the police and demanded justice, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to know I’ll grow up without him.”

The incident has reignited concerns about police protocols during emergency situations, drawing parallels to another case involving Sonya Massey, who was shot and killed by police in her Illinois home after calling for help. The calls for police reform grow louder as both circumstances highlight a disturbing trend in law enforcement responses.

Local legal experts emphasize the intricacies involved in prosecuting officers for such incidents, pointing out the necessity of proving criminal intent—a noteworthy hurdle in seeking justice for victims. As investigations proceed, the Las Vegas community mourns the loss of a father and advocates for systemic changes to prevent such tragedies in the future.