LAS VEGAS– A Las Vegas man called for police help during a home invasion before an officer fatally shot him, according to authorities and 911 calls.
Brandon Durham called 911 early Nov. 12 and said he was hiding with his 15-year-old daughter after someone broke into his home, Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren said.
In audio recordings obtained this week, Durham is heard pleading with the dispatcher to “send someone as soon as possible.” KVVU TV in Las Vegas.
Koren identified the officer who shot Durham as Alexander Bookman, 26.
Bookman was one of the first officers to arrive and kicked in the front door. Koren said the officer found Durham in a hallway struggling with the intruder for a knife.
In a short clip of body camera video released by police, the officer yells for them to drop the knife and then fires one bullet. Durham and the intruder both fall to the ground, at which point the officer approaches and fires five more rounds while standing over them, the video shows.
Durham, 43, died at his home.
Koren said Durham and the intruder knew each other. The intruder was arrested and charged with home invasion and assault.
David Roger, general counsel for the union representing Las Vegas police officers, said in a statement Saturday that Bookman was not at fault.
“Although 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,” he said.
Durham’s family wants Bookman fired and charged in the shooting.
“Sir. Durham didn’t threaten anyone. There is no justification for the use of force against Mr. Durham,” Lee Merritt, A civil rights attorney representing the family said at a news conference Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said in a statement that it was too early in the investigation to comment on possible charges.
Bookman is on paid leave while Las Vegas police investigate.