Man who called 911 for help during home invasion fatally shot by cops

LAS VEGAS– A Las Vegas man called police during a home invasion, and an officer fatally shot him, according to authorities and 911 calls.

Brandon Durham called 911 early Nov. 12, claiming he was hiding with his 15-year-old daughter after someone broke into his home, sheriff’s deputy Dori Koren said.

In audio recordings obtained this week, Durham can be 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 26-year-old Alexander Bookman.

Bookman was one of the first officers to arrive and kick in the front door. Koren said the officer found Durham in the hallway fighting with an intruder for a knife.

In a short webcam video released by police, the officer shouts at people to drop the knife before firing one shot. Durham and the intruder fell to the floor, then the officer approached them and, standing over them, fired five more shots, the video shows.

Durham, 43, died at 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 of the union representing Las Vegas police officers, released a statement Saturday saying Bookman was not at fault.

“While Mr. Durham’s death is tragic, Officer Bookman was doing his job and had no intention of committing 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.

“Mr. Durham has not threatened anyone. There is no justification for the use of force against Mr. Durham.” Lee Merritt, – said the ombudsman representing the family at a press conference As reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal..

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said in a statement that it was too early in the investigation for him to comment on possible charges.

Bookman is on paid leave while the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigates.