The motorist accused of causing a deadly law enforcement shooting on Interstate 11 Wednesday has been charged with murder, according to court records.
Sean Shirazi, 45, faces charges of second-degree murder, assault, battery, disobeying a peace officer, resisting a public official, two counts of failure to stop at the scene of an accident and disregarding the safety of persons and property. The charges are detailed in a newly filed criminal complaint against Shirazi in Las Vegas Justice Court.
The murder charge represents an upgrade of a manslaughter count he was originally booked on Wednesday following the shooting on the interstate’s westbound lanes near the Fourth Street on-ramp at about 1:30 p.m.
The Metropolitan Police Department said in an arrest report for Shirazi that troopers were investigating a crash on the interstate when a motorist behind the wheel of a Toyota SUV, with a woman inside, recklessly drove through the crash scene and clipped a semi. Troopers tried to get the driver of the SUV out of the vehicle but he ignored their commands and drove forward, authorities said, striking a trooper and pinning him against a firetruck. That’s when the trooper opened fire, Metro said.
The motorist continued to drive forward and struck another vehicle before fleeing the area. No troopers were seriously injured, authorities said.
Police said the SUV later showed up at Dignity Health–St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Sahara Campus, at 4980 W. Sahara Ave. There were two people in the vehicle and one said they’d been shot, police said. The female passenger died at the hospital. Her name has yet to be released.
Police said Shirazi was identified as the driver of the Toyota. He was shot in the chest but survived, authorities said.
Shirazi has a lengthy criminal history dating to 2013 in the Las Vegas Valley, records show. His past includes 23 different arrests and traffic citations on accusations ranging from reckless driving to possession of drugs, weapons and driving infractions.
Contact Glenn Puit at gpuit@reviewjournal.com.
