Holly MatkinLas Vegas, NV – Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Officer Truong Thai was murdered in the line of duty Thursday morning while responding to a domestic disturbance.
Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo confirmed the veteran officer’s death during a press conference later in the day.
According to Sheriff Lombardo, the incident began at approximately 1 a.m. on Oct. 13, when the dispatch center received a report of a domestic disturbance in the 800-block of East Flamingo Road, KVVU reported.
LVMPD officers responded to the scene and located a suspect near Flamingo Road and University Center, according to Sheriff Lombardo.
The suspect was later identified as 24-year-old Tyson Hampton.
Police said Hampton opened fire on two LVMPD officers and the officers immediately returned fire, KVVU reported.
Officer Thai and an unidentified civilian were both shot during the attack, Sheriff Lombardo said.
Investigators said Hampton fled the area as the wounded victims were rushed to local hospitals, KVVU reported.
Police managed to track the suspect down in the area of Eastern and Desert Inn with the help of a K9 unit, but he refused to comply with their commands, according to the sheriff.
A K9 was deployed and the gunman was subsequently taken into custody.
Sheriff Lombardo said Officer Thai was shot in his torso during the attack, KVVU reported.
The 49-year-old officer succumbed to his wounds at Sunrise Hospital a short while later.
His daughter and ex-wife were by his side when he passed away, according to KTNV.
The condition of the civilian who was wounded in the shooting was not immediately released.
Officer Thai served the LVMPD for 23 years and was assigned to the agency’s South Central Area Command, KVVU reported.
“We are devastated to let you know that Ofc. Truong Thai from LVMPD South Central Area Command was killed in the line of duty following a deadly shooting with an armed man Thursday morning,” the LVMPD South Central Area Command said in an Instagram post.
“Ofc. Thai was a dedicated, 23-year veteran of this department,” the post read. “He held various roles over his time here including as a firearms instructor. He was passionate about training new officers.”
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak said he was devastated when he learned about the veteran officer’s murder, KTNV reported.
“Officers and first responders put their lives on the line every day to help keep us safe,” Sisolak said. “Kathy and I are keeping Officer Thai’s family, friends, and loved ones in our hearts during this difficult time.”
We are devastated to let you know that Ofc. Truong Thai from @LVMPDSCAC was killed in the line of duty following a deadly shooting with an armed man Thursday morning.
Ofc. Thai was a dedicated, 23-year veteran of this department. pic.twitter.com/sYwpg74JF7— LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 13, 2022
Thank you @LVMPDSCAC Officer Truong Thai for your dedication to this department. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. 💙 pic.twitter.com/VrnAQnS1ac
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 13, 2022
END OF WATCH: Las Vegas police Officer Truong Thai, a 23-year veteran of @LVMPD, was killed in a shooting early Thursday morning near UNLV.
Our thoughts are with Thai's colleagues, friends and family. 💙🖤💙 pic.twitter.com/V2fxuuesqs
— FOX5 Las Vegas (@FOX5Vegas) October 13, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Officer Truong Thai, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Officer Truong Thai, your life mattered.
Sandy Malone
