Las Vegas Officer Shoots Suspect After Tunnel Exit, Foot Chase Near The Orleans
Mitchell Nettles, 43, faces multiple charges after fleeing police and pointing what turned out to be a pneumatic gun at an officer.
A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer shot a 43-year-old man early in the morning on Arville Street after the suspect exited a restricted tunnel area wearing a tactical vest, fled on foot, and pointed what appeared to be a firearm at the pursuing officer. The incident, which unfolded near The Orleans Hotel and Casino, marks LVMPD's fifth officer-involved shooting of 2026, according to an arrest declaration obtained by local media.
Initial Stop on Arville Street
Officer Alex Pena was patrolling Arville Street around 3:20 a.m. when he observed a white man wearing a tactical vest exiting tunnels in a wash area marked with 'No Trespassing' signs. Pena also saw the man cross Arville Street from east to west outside of a designated crosswalk.
Concerned by the sight of someone in tactical gear carrying a flashlight and leaving a restricted area at that hour, Pena initiated a stop. The man was later identified as Mitchell Nettles, 43.
Nettles Claims LVMPD Internal Affairs Affiliation
When approached by Pena, Nettles claimed to work for LVMPD's Internal Affairs division and told the officer to check with his sergeant and 'check the logs,' asserting that no one was authorized to approach him.
Pena attempted to identify Nettles, who refused to cooperate and kept moving around. Due to his non-compliance and refusal to provide identification, Pena moved to handcuff him.
Foot Chase and Officer-Involved Shooting
Nettles shouted 'Back up! Back up!' and fled north on Arville Street, prompting a foot chase. During the pursuit, Nettles reached into his waistband and pulled out what appeared to be a gun, pointing it at Pena.
Fearing for his safety, Pena fired his weapon. Nettles dropped the object and continued running, turning west onto Harmon Avenue. Concerned that Nettles might have another weapon and could access The Orleans Hotel and Casino, Pena fired a second shot, striking Nettles in the left inner thigh. Despite being wounded, Nettles got up and continued fleeing.
Arrest Near The Orleans Hotel and Casino
Additional officers responded as Nettles ran down a private drive leading to The Orleans parking lot. During the pursuit, an officer fired four bean bag rounds from a less-lethal shotgun, with one striking Nettles in the back and right shoulder area.
Nettles continued running between The Orleans Arena and parking garage before officers surrounded and arrested him. During the incident, he dropped a black bag and his tactical vest in the casino parking lot.
Aftermath and Charges
Nettles was transported to University Medical Center for treatment. When detectives attempted to interview him, he declined to speak.
Authorities recovered the weapon Nettles had brandished during the chase, determining it to be a pneumatic gun rather than a traditional firearm. Nettles faces multiple charges, including assault on a protected person with a deadly weapon, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, resisting a public officer, and trespassing.
What we know
- The incident is LVMPD's fifth officer-involved shooting of 2026.
- Officer Alex Pena initiated the stop at approximately 3:20 a.m. on Arville Street after observing Nettles exit a restricted tunnel area in a tactical vest.
- Nettles claimed to work for LVMPD's Internal Affairs division and refused to provide identification.
- Pena fired two shots during the foot chase; the second struck Nettles in the left inner thigh.
- An officer also fired four bean bag rounds from a less-lethal shotgun, with one hitting Nettles in the back and right shoulder area.
- The weapon Nettles brandished was determined to be a pneumatic gun, not a traditional firearm.
- Nettles was transported to University Medical Center and declined to speak with detectives.
- Nettles faces charges including assault on a protected person with a deadly weapon, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, resisting a public officer, and trespassing.
Why it matters
The shooting highlights ongoing public safety concerns around the Las Vegas Strip corridor and adjacent areas, including the tunnels and wash systems that run beneath the city. The incident unfolded steps from The Orleans Hotel and Casino, a major resort property, raising questions about how quickly a foot pursuit can escalate into a potentially deadly confrontation in a densely populated area. The case also underscores the challenges officers face when a suspect makes false claims of law enforcement affiliation to avoid identification.
What’s next
Nettles faces multiple charges, including assault on a protected person with a deadly weapon, and his case is expected to proceed through the Clark County court system. As LVMPD's fifth officer-involved shooting of 2026, the incident will also be subject to the department's standard review process. No additional scheduled hearings or review dates were specified in available reports.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Mitchell Nettles and what charges does he face?
Mitchell Nettles is a 43-year-old man arrested following a foot chase and officer-involved shooting on Arville Street in Las Vegas. He faces charges including assault on a protected person with a deadly weapon, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, resisting a public officer, and trespassing.
Where did the Las Vegas officer-involved shooting take place?
The incident began on Arville Street near a wash area with posted 'No Trespassing' signs and continued to Harmon Avenue before ending in the parking lot of The Orleans Hotel and Casino.
Was the weapon Nettles pointed at the officer a real gun?
No. Authorities recovered the weapon after the chase and determined it to be a pneumatic gun rather than a traditional firearm.
How many times was Nettles shot during the incident?
Officer Pena fired two shots, with the second striking Nettles in the left inner thigh. Additionally, an officer fired four bean bag rounds from a less-lethal shotgun, with one hitting Nettles in the back and right shoulder area.
Which hospital was Nettles taken to after the shooting?
Nettles was transported to University Medical Center for treatment following his arrest.