Henderson police provided new information on Wednesday regarding a tragic incident involving the fatal shooting of a 71-year-old man, Bruce Ayer, at a residence in Las Vegas last month.
Ayer succumbed to his injuries on June 26 after being shot twice by SWAT officer Michael Stevens. The incident occurred at Ayer’s home located in the 3800 block of Case Colorado Avenue while officers were executing a search warrant related to a burglary that had taken place the previous day in Henderson.
According to Captain Benson Harper, police tracked a stolen silver Volkswagen linked to the burglary to Ayer’s residence, triggering the SWAT operation.
At approximately 7 a.m. on June 26, Stevens and other members of the SWAT team approached Ayer’s home, announcing their presence with an automated voice that demanded entry. Upon entering the residence, officers continued to assert they were serving a search warrant as they moved inside the home.
Body camera footage from Stevens revealed the tense moments leading up to the shooting. A shirtless Ayer was seen pointing an object that appeared to resemble a firearm at Stevens. It was later identified as a replica gun.
Despite officers yelling commands for Ayer to stay still, he advanced on Stevens, prompting the officer to draw his service weapon—a rifle. The footage shows Stevens firing at Ayer twice as he backed into a hallway, creating distance between himself and the advancing individual.
Following the shooting, officers secured the area and medics quickly attempted to provide medical assistance to Ayer. The prop gun was recovered on the scene and has been submitted as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
The audio from police radio communications shared during the briefing also illustrated the urgency of the situation. Officers could be heard calling for backup and reporting that shots were fired inside the residence shortly after the incident occurred.
In the aftermath, one officer was heard asking for tactical medics and additional personnel to assist at the scene. Overall, no officers sustained injuries during the encounter, but the shooting marks the second police-related shooting incident within Henderson’s jurisdiction in 2025.
As the investigation continues, the findings will be submitted for review to Chief Reggie Rader, ensuring that the circumstances surrounding the shooting are thoroughly examined.
This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with police operations and the critical nature of situational awareness during such engagements. Authorities are expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses.
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