Vagrant shot by Las Vegas cops after rushing at them with a swordlike blade

On February 20, 2024, at approximately 12:43 a.m., LVMPD dispatch received a report of a suicidal subject attempting to hurt himself with a weapon in the 2500 block of South Eastern Avenue. Officer Joshua Romanski arrived in the area and located a Hispanic male adult, later identified as 41-year-old Jose Luis Saenz, armed with a metal rod and bleeding.

Officer Romanski issued verbal commands to Saenz, as other officers arrived to assist, including Officer Paul Guerrero. A low-lethal option was deployed causing Saenz to fall to the ground. He was able to quickly get back up and advance towards Officers Romanski and Guerrero, ignoring all verbal commands. He lifted the rod in a threatening manner, causing both officers to discharge their firearms, striking him.

Medical personnel responded and transported Saenz to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.