LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The North Las Vegas police officer shot and killed Tuesday recorded a video with the department where he alluded to the dangers of the job.
A 25-year-old man shot and killed North Las Vegas Police Officer James Roscow, 46, on Tuesday during a call for a person pointing a gun at another person, the department said. Roscow, a father of two young boys, spent 17 years with the police department.
Roscow worked for more than a decade in the department’s traffic division before switching to patrol last year. While working in traffic, Roscow recorded a video for the department where he took part in a “20-Question Challenge.”
“Slow down, take your time, and there’s that old saying, ‘Drive to arrive,’ which I really believe is pertinent to today,” Roscow said while sitting on his department motorcycle.
Roscow told the interviewer he joined the department after serving in the military at Nellis Air Force Base.
“I got out of the service and Nellis Air Force Base was my last assignment and I loved the department, so I stayed,” he said.
Roscow also noted he drove around with a stuffed animal he called “Flash.”
“He is my partner in crime out here,” Roscow said. “Reminds me why I do this job and makes sure I go home safe.”
Tuesday’s shooting occurred in a neighborhood near West Lone Mountain Road and Camino Al Norte, in a neighborhood located near Craig Ranch Park. The 25-year-old man who shot Roscow also died.
Roscow leaves behind his young sons, Graysen, 9; and Andrew, 4. The police department said a funeral service will be held at Central Christian Church, though a specific date and time were not announced Wednesday. Roscow will be laid to rest in his hometown of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois.
The IPOF planned to hold a candlelight vigil in Roscow’s honor on Thursday at Liberty Park at North Las Vegas City Hall beginning at 5:30 p.m.
“During his tenure with the traffic division, Officer Roscow was recognized with the exemplary service award, an honor given for a singular accomplishment of substance, achieved under adverse and difficult conditions, though without risk to personal safety,” NLVPD officials said in a news release. “His dedication to duty and resilience in challenging situations earned him the respect of his colleagues and the community he served.”
Donations to Roscow’s family are asked to be directed through the Injured Police Officer’s Fund (IPOF) at Lexicon Bank. The account number is #1000010630. Law enforcement officials said the account is the only way to ensure the donations end up with the correct people.
North Las Vegas police nor the city have not provided any media availability to ask about details of the shooting.
