LAS VEGAS, NV - A shootout in North Las Vegas, NV resulted in the deaths of both the suspect and the responding officer after the suspect allegedly took aim at a third person in what a witness described as “like a western shootout.”
Alexander Andre Mathis, 25, was contacted by arriving police officers who responded to a call reporting a man with a handgun.
As reported by KSNV, Mathis successfully evaded the first group of officers, ignoring their commands and fleeing the area. Officer Jason Roscow, 46, later encountered the armed suspect and ordered him to show his hands.
According to the report, Mathis ignored Officer Roscow’s commands and began to approach him and the two began to exchange gunfire. Roscow was repeatedly struck but was able to return fire fatally striking Mathis.
Toni Cooper a resident living nearby described the gunshots as a “western shootout." According to The New York Post, Cooper said, “It sounded just like a western shootout. I heard the pop, pop, pop gunfire."
Other responding officers began to provide medical intervention as North Las Vegas Fire Department personnel arrived on scene. Both Officer Roscow and Mathis were rushed to the UMC Trauma Center where Mathis was pronounced dead, and Officer Roscow despite medical efforts, succumbed to his injuries.
KSNV reporter Cristen Drummond reported via X that Mathis’ family was shocked by the incident and told her that he was known to “sleep in parks around the neighborhood by Lone Mountain and Camino Al Norte,” saying this was by choice and that he was welcome in their home and described his behavior as “out of character.”
Chief of Police Jacqueline Gravatt told reporters in a statement, "It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of one of North Las Vegas’ finest. Police officers choose this line of work because they want to protect and serve the community, knowing the risks and challenges that come with the badge. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the officer’s family, friends, and his brotherhood in blue."
The NLVPD posted to X inviting the community to a Candlelight Vigil Thursday evening, in partnership with the Injured Police Officers Fund, honoring Officer Roscow's life and service.
Alexander Andre Mathis, 25, was contacted by arriving police officers who responded to a call reporting a man with a handgun.
As reported by KSNV, Mathis successfully evaded the first group of officers, ignoring their commands and fleeing the area. Officer Jason Roscow, 46, later encountered the armed suspect and ordered him to show his hands.
According to the report, Mathis ignored Officer Roscow’s commands and began to approach him and the two began to exchange gunfire. Roscow was repeatedly struck but was able to return fire fatally striking Mathis.
Toni Cooper a resident living nearby described the gunshots as a “western shootout." According to The New York Post, Cooper said, “It sounded just like a western shootout. I heard the pop, pop, pop gunfire."
Other responding officers began to provide medical intervention as North Las Vegas Fire Department personnel arrived on scene. Both Officer Roscow and Mathis were rushed to the UMC Trauma Center where Mathis was pronounced dead, and Officer Roscow despite medical efforts, succumbed to his injuries.
It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the loss of one of our own, who was killed in the line of duty today.
— NLVPD (@NLVPD) February 5, 2025
We extend our deepest condolences to their family, friends, and colleagues. We ask for thoughts and prayers for everyone impacted. pic.twitter.com/vLdQRyXGqP
KSNV reporter Cristen Drummond reported via X that Mathis’ family was shocked by the incident and told her that he was known to “sleep in parks around the neighborhood by Lone Mountain and Camino Al Norte,” saying this was by choice and that he was welcome in their home and described his behavior as “out of character.”
Chief of Police Jacqueline Gravatt told reporters in a statement, "It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of one of North Las Vegas’ finest. Police officers choose this line of work because they want to protect and serve the community, knowing the risks and challenges that come with the badge. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the officer’s family, friends, and his brotherhood in blue."
#NLVPD, in partnership with the Injured Police Officers Fund, invites the community to join us for a Candlelight Vigil honoring the life and service of Officer Roscow.
— NLVPD (@NLVPD) February 6, 2025
🕯️ Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025⁰🕰️ Time: 5:30 PM⁰📍 Location: Liberty Park at North Las Vegas City Hall. pic.twitter.com/XhYdq6jJ9k
The NLVPD posted to X inviting the community to a Candlelight Vigil Thursday evening, in partnership with the Injured Police Officers Fund, honoring Officer Roscow's life and service.
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Comments
2025-02-08T21:25-0500 | Comment by: James
So the pigs pulled weapons on the dude because they had a report that he had a fire arm ..... Having a firearm is NOT a crime you STUPID, gombone,sacks feces ..... At LEAST he took one of you punks with him .... WE SALUTE YOU ALEXANDER ANDRE MATHIS .... You did AMERICA a GREAT service and PATRIOTS THANK YOU for your sacrifice ......