A Las Vegas police officer used body-worn camera footage that captured the dramatic moment when she shot and killed a man after she was struck by a bullet and fell to the ground.
Just before 1:15 a.m., Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officer Tierney Tomburo, 24, stopped a vehicle and arrested the driver for DUI in Las Vegas, NV.
Officer Tomburo asked the additional three passengers to exit the car and walk to the front of the police vehicle. Gabriel Herrera Charles, 27, ignored the officer’s request and began running. Tomburo followed behind, chasing him.
According to the video, Tomburo chased Charles. She is heard yelling “No,” as Charles turns around and shoots at her, striking her in the pelvis. Tomburo fell to the ground, but that didn’t stop her. She responded by firing four shots back, hitting Charles.
Tomburo cried out in pain after being shot and another officer came to her side as she called in for help.
According to McGrath, Charles’s gun was a Smith and Wesson pistol; it jammed during the incident, limiting him to firing only one round. A total of 14 rounds remained in Charles’ gun. McGrath didn’t want to speculate, “We can’t guess to what would’ve happened.”
Charles was taken into police custody and brought to Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Tomburo was taken to the University Medical Center, where she was treated for a gunshot wound to the pelvis.
If Charles had survived the shooting, authorities said he would have faced multiple charges, including attempted murder, battery, resisting a public officer, and a prohibited person with a firearm.
A video was shared by LVMPD showing Tomburo leaving the hospital. As she was wheeled out, officers were lined up clapping and cheering her on.
McGrath praised Tomburo, “I would say that she’s a great example of a hero police officer,” He added, “She showed her courage, she showed calm under pressure, and I think she did an outstanding job and we’re all very proud of her.”
#LasVegas police officer shot, ends up killing the suspect after she collapsed from the shooting pic.twitter.com/pUejlbBTJS
— The Daily Sneed™???? (@Tr00peRR) September 16, 2022
Moments ago:
LVMPD Ofc. Tomburo from @LVMPDSCAC was released from @UMCSN. She was shot during an incident early Sat. morning.
Officers lined up to send her home as she continues to recover from her injuries ????
We appreciate all of the concern and well wishes for Ofc. Tomburo. pic.twitter.com/WCFbJxTbHS— LVMPD (@LVMPD) September 12, 2022