4 days ago
Expert weighs in on Nevada's self-defense law after deadly road rage shooting
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – A deadly road rage incident on Monday along a Las Vegas freeway involving a knife and gunfire has renewed focus on Nevada's 'Stand Your Ground' law.
Knife-wielding man killed in road rage incident turned deadly shooting on Las Vegas valley freeway
The person identified by police as the shooter was not expected to face any criminal charges. Nevada has a clear 'Stand Your Ground' law, and killing a man coming at you with a knife falls in that category.
'If you are in your home or your vehicle, and it is occupied, and you believe someone is coming in with some sort of violent intent, then you have a right to use force. Even deadly force,' Liz Bauer, who was an attorney at Rosenblum Allen at the time of the interview, said.
That's what the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said happened on Monday night along the Southern 215 beltway between Jones and Rainbow boulevards. The crash was reportedly a minor fender bender.
According to police, a driver who rear-ended a car exited their vehicle to make sure the other driver was okay.
However, the male driver who was hit reportedly got out of his car with a knife and then began slashing the tires of the car that crashed into him, police said.
'The driver with the firearm came out of the car, told the individual to get away, at which time he lunged forward, causing the driver to fire his firearm,' LVMPD Lt. Robert Price said Monday night.
Bauer said self-defense falls under Nevada's 'Stand Your Ground' law. It states what she describes as someone needing to have 'reasonable fear' before taking deadly action.
The law also carves out a difference between self-defense in one's home or vehicle and in a public place, such as a shopping mall.
''Stand Your Ground' allows you to fight back but not with over-the-top force. So, you can't shoot the person in the head because they're punching you if you can get away safely,' Bauer said.
The Clark County Coroner's office has yet to release the identity of the man who was killed. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to police, the shooter rendered aid before emergency responders arrived. Police detained that person for a time but then let them go.
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