Man shot to death by police after calling 911 for help during home invasion

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

Deputy Dori Koren said Brandon Durham called 911 early Nov. 12 and said he was hiding with his 15-year-old daughter after someone broke into his home.

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 said the officer who shot Durham was 26-year-old Alexander Bookman.

Bookman was one of the first officers to arrive and kicked in the front door. The officer found Durham in the hallway fighting the intruder over a knife, Koren said.

In the brief body camera video released by police, the officer yells at them to drop the knife and then fires a shot. The video shows both Durham and the intruder falling to the ground, then the officer approaches and fires five shots as he stands over them.

The 43-year-old died at his home in Durham.

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 Saturday that Bookman was not at fault.

“While Mr. Durham’s death was 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 incident.

“Mr. Durham wasn’t threatening 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 press conference: Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

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.