Prosecutors seek $1 million bond for suspect in Metro officer’s shooting

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Steve Marcus

Edgar Samaniego makes an initial appearance at the Regional Justice Center Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Samaniego is accused of shooting and critically injuring Metro Police Officer Shay Mikalonis, 29, near Circus Circus Monday night.

Published Wed, Jun 3, 2020 (11:07 a.m.)

Updated Wed, Jun 3, 2020 (11:29 a.m.)

Suspected Shooter in Court

Edgar Samaniego leans his head back as he waits to make an initial appearance at the Regional Justice Center Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Samaniego is accused of shooting and critically injuring Metro Police Officer Shay Mikalonis, 29, near Circus Circus Monday night. Launch slideshow »

Video exists in the shooting of a Metro Police officer who was critically wounded at the end of a Black Lives Matter protest Monday, according to Clark County prosecutors.

Officer Shay Mikalonis was trying to make an arrest after the demonstration in front of Circus Circus, when Edgar Samaniego, 20, fired a gun from across the street, Metro Police said.

The bullet struck the officer in the left side of his face, traveled through his spine and lodged in the other side of his face, Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Joe Bonaventure said during a court hearing this morning. He ordered Samaniego held without bail.

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said after the hearing that Mikalonis remained in “serious, serious, serious” condition.

Prosecutors asked for a $1 million bond, deeming Samaniego a flight risk and a danger to the community. Clark County Public Defender Scott Coffee, citing the suspect’s age, lack of prior felony convictions, Las Vegas roots and family support, asked for a $100,000 bail.

That motion is pending the possible revocation of Samaniego’s bond in a drug possession and DUI case from April in which he was ordered to stay out of trouble, the judge said.

Aerial footage captured Samaniego walking on Las Vegas Boulevard, looking over his left shoulder, grabbing something from his waistband and making a “motion of shooting,” Clark County prosecutor Giancarlo Pesci said.

Monday’s protest, demanding justice for George Floyd, who died in police custody in Minneapolis, turned violent, with instigators launching bottles and rocks at officers trying to disperse the crowd, Metro said.

A gunshot rang out, and Mikalonis, who was assisting in an arrest, fell, police said.

Samaniego was identified through the video footage and witness statements, Pesci said. A spent bullet casing was found where Samaniego was seen making the shooting motion, he said.

Samaniego was arrested by SWAT officers hours later at a nearby motel, police said.

Pesci noted that two additional spent bullet casings were found on a balcony near Samaniego's room. Police also found a gun under the mattress in his room, Pesci said.

Samaniego is facing a felony count of attempted murder and two misdemeanor counts of firing a weapon where persons might be endangered.

It wasn’t clear if Samaniego had participated in the protest. Samaniego, who was shackled and wearing blue jail garb and a surgical mask, didn’t speak in court.

Before setting bail at a future hearing, Bonaventure said he would consider the suspect’s age, family support and lack of any criminal convictions.

Samaniego’s family members, who were in attendance, did not speak to reporters and were escorted to the parking lot by court marshals.

Samaniego is next scheduled to appear in court Friday morning.

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