Las Vegas Police Fatally Shoot Man Who Called 911 for Intruder

In Las Vegas, a 43-year-old man was shot and killed by law enforcement officers after he contacted 911 seeking assistance during an altercation with an intruder inside his residence. Brandon Durham’s family, including his 15-year-old daughter who was concealed in an adjacent room, has demanded the termination of the officer involved. Mr. Durham’s adolescent daughter expressed that she was “disgusted” with the Las Vegas police, stating they regarded him as “the suspect” rather than “the victim.” Counsel representing Alexander Bookman, the officer responsible for shooting Mr. Durham, asserted that his client did not commit any criminal offenses. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department announced that Mr. Bookman, aged 26, has been assigned to paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation into the event that occurred on November 12. According to police, Mr. Durham had telephoned 911 to report that two individuals were firing weapons outside and attempting to force entry into his residence. Upon arrival, officers responding to the call observed vehicles with shattered windows outside the property. Police further stated that they identified damage to the dwelling and detected shouting originating from within, which led Mr. Bookman to forcibly open the front door to gain entry. Police-released body camera video depicts Mr. Bookman navigating the interior of the home with his firearm unholstered, as sounds of screaming and banging are audible from an unseen area. Upon rounding a corner in an L-shaped corridor, the officer encountered a shirtless Mr. Durham struggling for control of a knife with a woman in a ski mask, subsequently identified as 31-year-old Alejandra Boudreaux. Mr. Bookman is heard shouting, “hey, drop the knife, drop the knife,” moments prior to discharging a shot that struck Mr. Durham, causing both him and Ms. Boudreaux to fall. Subsequently, Mr. Bookman discharged five additional shots at Mr. Durham and instructed him to “put your hands up,” as documented by body-worn camera footage released by law enforcement. Mr. Durham was declared deceased at the location. Ms. Boudreaux was apprehended and faces four charges, among them home invasion involving a deadly weapon. “I am disgusted in how the Metropolitan Police told my father, after killing him, to stay down,” Mr. Durham’s daughter communicated to local media outlets. She added, “I’m disgusted that the Metropolitan Police will allow me to live fatherless for the rest of my life.” The legal representative for the family has requested an immediate arrest warrant for Mr. Bookman. David Roger, who serves as general counsel for the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, stated to CNN, “Unlike a civil case, in which an individual’s negligence is at issue, criminal cases require proof of a person’s criminal intent.” He further remarked, “While Mr. Durham’s death is tragic, Officer Bookman was doing his job and did not intend to commit a crime.” Local news organizations, referencing a police report, indicated that Mr. Durham and Ms. Boudreaux had been involved in a romantic relationship prior to the incident. Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren confirmed that law enforcement personnel did not discover a firearm at the scene, notwithstanding several reports of gunfire. This event has reignited public attention on police shootings, taking place merely days before the Department of Justice initiated an inquiry into the passing of Sonya Massey, who was killed by an officer in July within her Illinois residence.