Clark County holds public review after DA declines prosecution in shooting death of Javier Flores

Clark County held a public fact-finding review after the District Attorney—s Office made a preliminary determination that no criminal prosecution of the officers involved in the Dec. 31, 2023, shooting of Javier Flores was appropriate. Chief Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth Mercer presented the state—s evidence, and Detective David Wells, the lead North Las Vegas homicide investigator, reviewed 911 calls, body-worn-camera footage and forensic findings.

Wells told the panel that an initial 911 call at 6:57 p.m. from 1304 Putnam Avenue reported Flores pointed a gun at occupants of a vehicle; surveillance video and multiple witness interviews corroborated that Flores arrived intoxicated, brandished firearms and briefly held a young child. A later 911 call at about 7:49 p.m. from 2836 Taylor Avenue reported Flores outside the residence with a firearm and his 9-year-old son in his truck. Wells said officers Cruz, Toler and Walker arrived and that, according to witnesses and the officers— statements, Flores exited his truck, reached toward his waistband and produced a handgun.

"At no point did the decedent acknowledge the officer's commands," Wells summarized,…