Las Vegas Officer Arrested In Connection With Suspect Death Formally Charged

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer arrested in connection with the death of Tashii Brown last month was formally charged by the Clark County District Attorney on Monday. Kenneth Lopera is charged with involuntary manslaughter and oppression under the color of office.

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

"A lot of research, thought, and deliberation went into the decision to charge this on-duty officer with a crime," said Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson. "We recognize that the job of a police officer is challenging, and they face a variety of situations that most of us cannot even imagine.

"Nevertheless, police officers are not immune from prosecution when their conduct crosses the line and becomes criminal."

Lopera is free on bond and due back in court on August 21.

Meanwhile, Lopera's union - the Las Vegas Police Protective Association - has started an online fundraiser to help Loepra while he is on unpaid leave.

As of Monday afternoon, the GoFundMe fundraiser had raised $39,911 from 360 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."

There is also a fundraiser to help the family of Brown, that has so far raised $1,443 from 28 people in 22 days.

According to the fundraiser, Brown 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.

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

Lopera tried to help him but Brown 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 Brown.

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

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

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 Brown and family via GoFundMe

Photo of Lopera via Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department