
Travis Doering has been officially identified as the man killed Tuesday by police.
Doering, 40, lived with roommates at a residence in the Southwest part of Las Vegas near West Twain Road and Lindell Avenue. The Saint Cloud, Minn. native was a resident of Las Vegas and worked as a sound technician.
His roommates contacted police at approximately 3:30 a.m. Tuesday morning because Doering had a rifle and was threatening suicide
Officers responded to the scene and spent two hours trying to end the situation peacefully. An officer with specialized intervention training spoke to Doering for nearly an hour by telephone but was not able to talk Doering down.
He was observed going in and out the residence numerous times carrying a rifle.
The SWAT team was eventually called in and they shot Doering after he pointed the rifle he was carrying at a police officer. He died of a gunshot wound to the head.
The SWAT officer that shot Doering has been identified as John Wiggins who has been placed on routine paid administrative leave.
Travis Doering likely suffered from some type of mental health issue, although it has not been disclosed if his friends and roommates noticed any unusual behavior prior to Tuesday night.
It is also not yet known if Doering suffered a traumatic event such as a job loss or had financial problems.
Although economic conditions in the valley are improving many of the new jobs that have contributed to the growth are low paid part-time positions and there is still widespread unemployment. The foreclosure rate remains very high as well and many Las Vegans are experiencing financial problems which could contribute to the increase in mental heath issues.
If you are someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts there is help available.
The National Suicide Hotline is staffed 24/7 and can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK.
Travis Doering will be buried in Minnesota.