Holly MatkinLas Vegas, NV – Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) Trooper Micah May died in the line of duty on Thursday due to injuries he suffered after being hit by a fleeing suspect two days prior.
The 46-year-old trooper was trying to deploy spike strips during a pursuit on Interstate 15 near Sahara Avenue on July 27 when the suspect, 60-year-old Douglas Claiborne, crashed into him, KVVU reported.
Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers President Rick McCann said Trooper May went through the armed carjacker’s windshield upon impact, according to KLAS.
Troopers were able to force the suspect vehicle to a stop near Sahara Avenue and swarmed the vehicle.
That’s when Claiborne allegedly reached for a gun and police opened fire on him.
The suspect was fatally shot during the mayhem.
Trooper May was airlifted to University Medical Center, where he remained until his death on Thursday, KVVU reported.
“With heavy hearts, we confirm the loss of Nevada Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Trooper Micah May #6203,” the NHP said in a Facebook post on Thursday night.
He served the NHP for 13 years.
Trooper May was awarded the Medal of Valor in 2014 “for his courageous actions in the line of duty,” the agency noted.
“Dedicated to apprehending impaired drivers from Nevada’s roadways, Trooper May received numerous awards for his contributions in the prevention and enforcement of impaired drivers,” the NHP added.
Trooper May leaves behind his wife and two children.
“This is a time of enormous grief for our agency, his family, and our communities,” the highway patrol said. “Rest easy, #6203. We’ve got the watch from here.”
The Injured Police Officer Fund (IPOF) has established a fundraising page to help Trooper May’s family in the wake of their loss.
“Trooper May’s heroism exemplified the definition of a silent guardian. His dedication and service will never be forgotten,” Nevada Department of Public Safety Director George Togliatti told KSNV. “Our hearts go out to this grieving family and recognize the unique sacrifice to the State of Nevada. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.”
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak ordered flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Trooper May’s sacrifice.
“Kathy and I were heartbroken to learn of the passing of State Trooper Micah May, a 13-year veteran of the Nevada Highway Patrol, husband, and father to two,” Sisolak tweeted. “Micah passed away while bravely protecting his community and while he has reached his end of watch, his heroic actions and contributions to the State of Nevada will never be forgotten.”
Sad news to wake up to this morning. You can see @nevadadotvegas signs along the freeways honoring @NHPSouthernComm Trooper Micah May after he died yesterday. Thank you for your service sir @News3LV pic.twitter.com/bmxANQgRMv
— Kyle Wilcox (@KyleNews3LV) July 30, 2021
With heavy hearts, we confirm the loss of @NHPSouthernComm Trooper Micah May #6203. He was struck while deploying stop-sticks on I-15 attempting to apprehend an armed carjacking suspect. The suspect’s vehicle struck Trooper May, who suffered life-threatening injuries. pic.twitter.com/f54aHOZFaY
— NHP Southern Command (@NHPSouthernComm) July 30, 2021
Please help support our brother and his family during this difficult time.💙 pic.twitter.com/xPlMa9Qzrr
— NHP Southern Command (@NHPSouthernComm) July 28, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Micah May, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Trooper Micah May, your life mattered.
