LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — New details released by law enforcement officials recap the incident that left a man dead after being shot by an officer in Bullhead City on Thursday.
The incident started just before 2 p.m. in Fort Mohave, where a mail truck was stolen. An hour later, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers located the vehicle in Laughlin and identified the two people who had driven the stolen mail truck. One of those individuals was identified as Erick Tom Watkins, 48, of Bullhead City.
When an officer found Watkins, police say he pointed a gun at the officer and ran away. Police said Watkins then stole a boat and took it to the Arizona side of the Colorado River before running it aground and fleeing to a nearby apartment complex.
Just before 4 p.m., Bullhead City Police located Watkins, who officials said immediately fired at officers. Police fired back, striking Watkins. He died at the scene.
Law enforcement officials noted that Watkins has multiple active felony warrants. The abandoned mail truck was later located, but according to police, mail and personal items had been removed. The officers involved in the shooting were placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.
Officers are still searching for the second unidentified suspect involved in the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office at 928-753-0753.
