Las Vegas Shooting False Alarm, Suspect Arrested

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If you were on the Las Vegas strip last weekend, you might have been among a mass of people running for their lives. On Saturday, July 16th, tourists and locals alike who were near the MGM Grand heard what sounded like gunshots. What followed were moments of sheer chaos as people ran down the Las Vegas strip away from the MGM Grand and what they thought was another Las Vegas shooting. It's been almost five years since the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival. But that's not why people are jumpy. At least not the whole reason. Sadly, shootings have become so common in headline news, it's what we're conditioned to think is happening when we hear anything that sounds like gunshots.

Las Vegas Metro Police Department was called on scene by employees of the MGM Grand, citing an active shooter situation. Shortly after arriving, the LVMPD debunked the claim that we were having another Las Vegas shooting, saying the sound heard was not gunshots. The LVMPD tweeted at 10:38pm informing citizens that "Reports of a shooting near the MGM tonight are unfounded. Initial reports are a glass door shattered causing a loud noise which startled people in the valet area."

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A man with a Washington ID was arrested in connection with the incident. Fox 5 News reported that Bradley Thompson was ejected from the MGM Grand earlier that day by security. Security cameras show he returned later that evening. With a score to settle, Thompson threw rocks at the valet doors, causing the doors to shatter. The shattering glass is what casino patrons mistook for gunshots. According to Fox 5 News, Thompson said he felt disrespected by the security. He was detained by a bystander and was eventually tackled by MGM Security. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to UMC for treatment.

–Wendy Rush, 96.3KKLZ Las Vegas

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96.3 KKLZ Las Vegas Vegas

Wendy RushEditor

Wendy Rush is the midday host on one of Vegas's top stations, 96.3 KKLZ. She has been with the station for ten years and comes with a diverse career background. In addition to being a radio host, Wendy has lived the Vegas life as an entertainer. She has been a celebrity impersonator, rock band singer, and improv comedian. As a content creator for 96.3 KKLZ, Wendy writes about music, celebrities, mental health and wellness, and life as a Las Vegas local.