Crime
Video shows moments Las Vegas Athletic Club shooting suspect Daniel Ortega shot and killed by officer
LAS VEGAS — Authorities have identified the gunman in last week’s deadly shooting at the Las Vegas Athletic Club (LVAC) as 34-year-old Daniel Ortega.
During a press conference held Monday, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) provided new details about the incident and confirmed the victim as 31-year-old Edgar Quinonez, a longtime LVAC employee.
Assistant Sheriff Jamie Prosser said Ortega entered the LVAC location on North Rainbow Boulevard around 1:30 p.m. on Friday armed with a rifle.
He walked past multiple gym-goers and approached the front desk where Quinonez was working.
A second employee briefly interacted with Ortega before fleeing when the suspect raised his weapon and opened fire.
Quinonez was struck by gunfire, and Ortega continued to pursue him further into the facility, firing a total of 24 rounds before his rifle malfunctioned.
According to Prosser, the weapon malfunction likely prevented what could have been a mass casualty event.
“Fortunately, this gentleman had a malfunction in his weapon, which saved this from becoming a mass casualty event,” Prosser said.
Quinonez, a resident of Las Vegas, died at the scene.
Police emphasized that he had no known prior relationship or interaction with Ortega, and the motive for the shooting remains undetermined at this time.
Ortega was confronted by law enforcement shortly after the shooting began.
Three responding officers opened fire during the encounter.
Ortega died at the scene.
In accordance with department policy, those officers have been placed on paid administrative leave while the incident remains under investigation.
LVMPD also noted that Ortega was an active member of that specific LVAC location.
Authorities continue to investigate the shooter’s background and possible motives.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.