Fundraiser For Officer Charged In Suspect Death Surpasses $35K

On Mother's Day, a confrontation between 40-year-old Tashii Farmer and Officer Kenneth Lopera at the Venetian ended with Farmer dead and Lopera charged with involuntary manslaughter. The death of Farmer - who had been hit with a Taser seven times and restrained with an unauthorized choke hold, according to police officials - was ruled a homicide

Lopera was charged by the Clark County District Attorney on Monday. On Tuesday, Lopera's union - the Las Vegas Police Protective Association - started an online fundraiser to help Loepra while he is on unpaid leave.

As of Friday afternoon, the GoFundMe fundraiser had raised $35,901 from 317 people. The union has set a fundraising goal of $150,000.

The union says that Lopera being placed on unpaid leave presents "significant personal financial difficulties moving forward. It is very likely this will be a long, arduous and stressful road ahead for Officer Lopera and his family. (Subscribe to local news alerts on Patch)

"This account will help defray the costs associated with a loss in pay and loss in healthcare benefits during the lengthy legal process."

Meanwhile, a fundraiser to help the family of Farmer, has so far raised $1,025 from 12 people in 19 days.

According to the fundraiser, Farmer left behind two children - eight-year-old Tamara and seven-year-old Elias.

According to the police department, Lopera - a five-year veteran - was working the tourist safety division at the Venetian Hotel when Farmer approached him and his partner.

Farmer sweating heavily, looked panicked, and stated that people were chasing him, according to the department.

Lopera tried to help him but Farmer fled.

The officer finally caught up with him, saw him walking up to the driver's side of a truck.

Lopera, fearing that the man was trying to carjack the vehicle, warned him to move away or he would use his Taser.

He then deployed the Taser and while it seemed that it had an effect at first, police say he continued to fight with Lopera.

Venetian security officers joined in the attempt to subdue Farmer.

During the struggle, Lopera used a choke hold that is not approved, holding it for one minute.

Farmer was subdued, officers noticed he was not breathing, and he was rushed to Sunrise Trauma Center where he was pronounced dead.

The department's Force Investigation Team is currently investigating the officer’s use of force in this incident. Their findings will be forwarded to the Clark County District Attorney for review.

An examination of this incident is being conducted by the LVMPD Critical Incident Review Team. This review will focus on policy, tactics and training as it relates to this use of force.

Photos of Farmer and family via GoFundMe

Photo of Lopera via Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department