Assistant Sheriff Sasha Larkin with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department hosted a briefing to discuss the November 25 officer-involved shooting of 51-year-old Robert Pitcher. An associated news release explains that LVMPD Communications received a report of a missing man possibly armed with a knife in the 3900 block of Landsdown Place on November 25 just before 3 AM. The male was later identified as Robert Pitcher.

Upon arrival, the responding officer was unable to locate Pitcher. The officer contacted the individual who reported Pitcher missing and learned a knife was missing from the home. The officer was also informed that Pitcher was distressed over the recent overdose death of his son, according to authorities. The officer saw Pitcher outside in a residential area with the knife as he exited the residence.

Additional officers arrived at the scene and efforts were made to de-escalate the situation. Authorities say Pitcher placed the knife to his throat and refused to drop it. Officers used less lethal options such as low-lethal shotguns and electronic control devices, but these techniques were unsuccessful. Authorities say Pitcher closed the distance between himself and the officers leading to Officers Dinh, Nuno-Reynoso, and Corso discharging their firearms.

Pitcher fell to the ground and lifesaving aid was immediately provided. Pitcher was pronounced deceased at the scene. The incident is being examined by the LVMPD Critical Incident Review Team.