In a tense and revealing session held on June 9, 2025, the Clark County Police Fatality Public Fact-finding Review examined the tragic officer-involved shooting of Felicia Rene Guzman. The meeting, attended by law enforcement officials and community members, aimed to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and the actions taken by officers on the scene.
As the clock ticked towards 5:13 AM, officers arrived at the scene, armed with information relayed from dispatch about Guzman's volatile behavior and past substance use. Witnesses had reported that she was armed with a knife, a detail that heightened the urgency of the officers' response. The review highlighted the rapid sequence of events, noting that within six seconds of Guzman exiting her home, officers discharged their weapons.
The discussion delved into the officers' decision-making process during the encounter. It was noted that the officers had a range of less-lethal options available, such as tasers and beanbag rounds, but the chaotic nature of the situation left little room for alternative strategies. The officers were faced with a rapidly evolving threat, and their immediate response was to back away while issuing commands for Guzman to drop the weapon. However, the review indicated that Guzman did not comply, prompting the officers to act.
Following the shooting, the officers quickly initiated safety protocols, handcuffing Guzman within 18 seconds and beginning medical assistance shortly thereafter. Despite their efforts, Guzman sustained multiple gunshot wounds, three of which were to her torso, and one grazing wound to her forearm. The medical team arrived approximately five minutes post-incident, transporting her to the University Medical Center, a leading trauma facility in the region.
The review also touched on the officers' experience levels, revealing that none were rookies; Officer Friedman had five years of service, Officer Ebert six, and Sergeant Salkoff had been with the department for 19 years. This experience raised questions about the absence of a pre-planned approach to handle the situation, especially given the knowledge of Guzman's armed status.
As the meeting concluded, the community was left grappling with the complexities of the incident. The review underscored the challenges law enforcement faces in high-stakes situations, where split-second decisions can have life-altering consequences. The findings from this session will likely influence future training and protocols as the North Las Vegas Police Department seeks to balance officer safety with community engagement.