Police Bodycam Video Captures Officer’s Quick Response in Las Vegas Incident
In a gripping turn of events, Las Vegas police have shared a powerful bodycam video that shows an officer’s split-second decision to open fire on a suspect. The suspect, identified as Sandra Lopez-Ochoa, had allegedly assaulted her brother and was involved in a domestic disturbance. In an unfortunate chain of events, the officer’s partner was slashed in the face with a knife during the encounter.
The incident, which took place last Friday, marks the fifth officer-involved shooting of its kind this year, as confirmed by Assistant Sheriff Sasha Larkin from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
The situation unfolded around 1 a.m. when officers Rudy Sacba and his partner were dispatched to an apartment complex. The call originated from a man who claimed his sister had assaulted him. Shortly after, Lopez-Ochoa herself contacted the police regarding a domestic disturbance.
Upon arrival, following conversations with the brother, the police determined there was enough evidence to apprehend Lopez-Ochoa for domestic strangulation.
Inside the apartment, the officers found Lopez-Ochoa seated on a couch in the living room. As Officer Sacba’s partner attempted to handcuff her, she suddenly grabbed a knife and inflicted a slash wound on the officer’s forehead.
Responding swiftly, Sacba drew his Glock 17 9mm firearm and discharged five rounds, incapacitating Lopez-Ochoa.
Tragically, the suspect lost her life at the scene, while the injured officer received medical attention at a local hospital. The wound, described as more than superficial, has left the officer on the road to recovery with his family by his side.
The released bodycam footage starts with Lopez-Ochoa speaking from the couch, expressing her desire to share her side of the story. The officer engages with her, discussing the situation.
In the midst of the conversation, Lopez-Ochoa expresses discomfort with Officer Sacba’s hand placement near his holster. The officer reassures her, clarifying that he’s merely resting his hand on the holster. However, the encounter takes a violent turn as Lopez-Ochoa suddenly lunges at Sacba’s partner with a knife.
Gunshots resonate, and chaos ensues. The injured officer examines his wound, while Sacba checks on his partner’s well-being.
Assistant Sheriff Larkin outlined the charges Lopez-Ochoa would have faced if she had survived, including battery/strangulation, attempted murder on a first responder, and assault with a deadly weapon on a first responder.
This incident once again underscores the challenging and sometimes life-threatening situations law enforcement officers face while striving to maintain public safety.