Brandon Durham killed in officer-involved shooting near Sunset Park

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) has provided further information regarding an officer-involved shooting that led to the death of a knife-wielding suspect near Sunset Park on Tuesday. The incident unfolded on the 6900 block of Wine Drive, where officers responded to reports of a disturbance around 6:30 p.m.

When officers arrived, they immediately noticed loud noises and signs of a commotion coming from within a nearby residence. Upon entering the home, officers found two individuals in the midst of a violent altercation, during which one of the individuals, later identified as 43-year-old Brandon Durham, was armed with a knife.

According to LVMPD, officers initially attempted to de-escalate the situation by ordering Durham to drop his weapon. However, as the altercation escalated and Durham refused to comply, Officer Alexander Bookman, a member of the force since 2021, discharged his firearm, striking Durham. Durham was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Clark County Coroner later confirmed Durham’s identity, and LVMPD confirmed Officer Bookman, 26, as the officer who fired his weapon. Bookman, currently assigned to the Community Safety Division within the South Central Area Command, has been placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with department protocol. This leave will remain in effect as the LVMPD conducts a comprehensive review of the incident.

The LVMPD’s standard procedure in such cases includes a thorough internal investigation, which will consider all available evidence, including body camera footage, witness statements, and scene analysis. This investigation aims to ensure full transparency and accountability in the handling of officer-involved shootings, a measure taken to maintain public trust.

In response to the incident, LVMPD officials emphasized their commitment to public safety and thorough investigative practices. Officer Bookman’s leave is a routine step to allow an impartial review of his actions during the altercation. The department also expressed sympathy to all affected, underscoring the complex challenges faced in high-stress situations where officers must make split-second decisions to protect both themselves and the public. LVMPD has requested that anyone with additional information regarding the incident come forward to aid in their investigation.