A Las Vegas man’s desperate 911 call for help during a home invasion ended in tragedy when responding police fatally shot him instead of the intruder.
Are our men in blue getting the training they need?
At a Glance
- Brandon Durham, 43, called 911 during a home invasion while hiding with his 15-year-old daughter
- Officer Alexander Bookman, 26, responded and shot Durham, mistaking him for the intruder
- The intruder, who knew Durham, was arrested and charged with home invasion and assault
- Durham’s family is calling for Bookman to be fired and charged, while the police union defends the officer’s actions
- The incident has reignited discussions on police shootings and emergency response protocols
Tragic Miscommunication Leads to Fatal Shooting
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Brandon Durham, a 43-year-old Las Vegas resident, lost his life after calling 911 for help during a home invasion. Durham was hiding with his 15-year-old daughter when he made the call, urgently requesting assistance. “Send someone ASAP,” Durham told the dispatcher, unaware that his plea for help would lead to a fatal misunderstanding.
Officer Alexander Bookman, 26, responded to the scene. Upon arrival, Bookman encountered Durham struggling with the intruder over a knife. In a split-second decision that would have devastating consequences, Bookman fired his weapon, resulting in Durham’s death.
Family Demands Justice, Police Union Defends Officer
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from Durham’s family and their legal representatives. Lee Merritt, the family’s attorney, stated, “Mr. Durham was not threatening anyone. There’s no justification for the use of force against Mr. Durham.” The family is demanding that Officer Bookman be fired and face criminal charges for his actions.
“Mr. Durham’s teenage daughter said she was ‘disgusted’ with Las Vegas police as they treated him like ‘the suspect’ not ‘the victim,’” the BBC reports.
However, the Las Vegas Police Protective Association has come to Bookman’s defense. David Roger, general counsel for the association, stated, “While Mr. Durham’s death is tragic, Officer Bookman was doing his job and did not intend to commit a crime. The person responsible for Mr. Durham’s death is in custody.” This stance has further intensified the debate surrounding the incident.
A Las Vegas man called for police help during a home invasion before an officer shot and killed him, according to authorities and 911 calls.https://t.co/P6Wr2Gtu9a
— WCBD News 2 | Count on 2 (@WCBD) November 24, 2024
Investigation Underway, Questions Remain
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has placed Officer Bookman on paid leave pending a full investigation into the shooting. Body camera footage reveals that Bookman fired one round initially, causing both Durham and the intruder to fall, before discharging five more rounds. Notably, no gun was found at the scene despite initial reports of shots fired.
The intruder, identified as Alejandra Boudreaux, who reportedly had a previous romantic relationship with Durham, has been arrested and charged with home invasion and assault. The Clark County District Attorney has stated it is too early to comment on potential charges against Officer Bookman, leaving many questions unanswered as the investigation continues.
This tragic incident has reignited discussions on police shootings and the need for improved emergency response protocols. As the community grapples with the loss of Brandon Durham, the case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of accurate communication and decision-making in high-stress situations involving law enforcement.
