Suspect Gets Fatally Shot After Pulling Gun From a Bush

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Las Vegas, Nevada – October 10, 2018: A 21-year-old man was fatally shot by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officers in what authorities believe was an apparent “suicide-by-cop” incident. The event, which unfolded early in the morning following a three-vehicle collision, was captured on police body camera footage and has since sparked an internal investigation.

According to Assistant Sheriff Tim Kelly, the deadly encounter occurred just after 7:00 a.m. near the intersection of Rainbow Boulevard and Gary Avenue. Traffic officers Kenneth Pillette and Chad Betts were dispatched to the scene of a crash involving three vehicles. Upon their arrival, two of the drivers involved in the accident reported that the third driver, identified as 21-year-old Kenneth Busse, appeared to be impaired.

As part of the standard response in such incidents, Officer Betts approached Busse and requested that he undergo a field sobriety test to determine whether he was under the influence. However, rather than comply, Busse refused the test. In a sudden and unexpected move, he turned and sprinted away from the officers toward a bush located nearby.

What happened next, according to authorities, revealed that Busse may have planned the encounter. Assistant Sheriff Kelly stated that Busse had apparently stashed a firearm in the bush before officers arrived. As officers gave chase, Busse retrieved the concealed weapon and immediately turned back toward the officers.

Busse pointed the firearm directly at Officer Betts and fired a shot. Fortunately for the officers, the weapon malfunctioned — the round jammed in the chamber, preventing any additional shots from being fired. Reacting swiftly to the imminent threat, both Officer Pillette, a 20-year veteran of the department, and Officer Betts, who has 19 years of service, drew their weapons and returned fire.

The two officers fired a total of six shots. Busse was struck multiple times, including in the chest, and collapsed at the scene. Officers secured the area and called for emergency medical assistance, but Busse was pronounced dead shortly after the shooting.

Subsequent investigation into Busse’s background revealed troubling signs. According to Assistant Sheriff Kelly, evidence uncovered following the shooting indicated that Busse had been experiencing significant emotional distress. He had reportedly made suicidal statements in the past and displayed suicidal behavior on the day of the incident. Investigators believe that Busse’s actions were deliberate and intended to provoke officers into using lethal force — a situation commonly referred to as "suicide by cop."

Authorities have since reviewed body-worn camera footage from the incident, which corroborated the officers' accounts. The footage clearly shows Busse refusing the field sobriety test, running toward the bush, retrieving the firearm, and pointing it at the officers before the fatal exchange of gunfire.

This incident marked the 20th officer-involved shooting for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in 2018, and the 10th that resulted in a fatality. The department is conducting a full internal investigation, as is standard protocol in all use-of-force cases. Both officers have been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation proceeds.

LVMPD officials have expressed condolences to the Busse family while also standing by the officers’ actions, emphasizing that they responded to a life-threatening situation with appropriate force. The department also reiterated its commitment to officer training, mental health awareness, and community safety.

As the investigation continues, police officials are urging anyone with further information about the incident or Busse’s behavior prior to the shooting to come forward. Authorities also used the moment to highlight the importance of mental health resources and encourage individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek help before a crisis occurs.






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