Metro police officer Jesus Arevalo fired after board recommendation

Jesus Arevalo terminated after board recommendation

Rhonda and Stanley Gibson

The decision to fire Jesus Arevalo, a now former Las Vegas police officer, resulted from his involvement in the deadly shooting of troubled war veteran, Stanley Gibson.

On December 12, 2011, Stanley Gibson, a troubled and ill veteran, was in the midst of a mental health crisis.

His erratic and frightening behavior has been escalating the entire week and, sadly, he did not receive any help, although there were numerous indicators that Gibson was in immediate need of both medical and psychological assistance.

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He has been arrested or had contact with police officers and medical authorities more than once days before he was murdered and was supposed to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

Instead, he was released from jail without receiving the evaluation.

Gibson was 100% disabled and partially paralyzed.  Both his wife and former landlord said that he tried to obtain assistance numerous times and had even contacted the media and government officials seeking help in getting his much needed medication.

Even when an officer who had responded to yet another call involving Gibson arranged for him to be transported by ambulance to MountainView Hospital, he did not receive any quality intervention or care.  The Las Vegas Sun reports that Gibson was released just 22 minutes after being admitted.

His final interaction with police occurred during a standoff with the unarmed Gibson barricaded in his car.

A beanbag round and pepper spray were used in an attempt  to force Gibson out of his car. When the beanbag round was fired, Arevalo open fire killing Gibson.

The now ex-police officer was placed on paid administrative leave for nearly two years.

Earlier this year, Arevalo was involved in a domestic incident with his ex-wife, Catherine Arevalo, and her current boyfriend. She sought a protective order against Arevalo.

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department has been under fire for many years for excessive use of force by police officers.

The decision made by Sheriff Doug Gilepsie to fire Jesus Arevalo and uphold the board’s recommendation appears to signal a new direction in holding police officers accountable for their actions.

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