Suspect arrested in shooting that left Las Vegas Metro Officer in critical condition

UPDATE 4:15 P.M. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has released new details into a shooting Monday night that left a police officer in critical condition.

Investigators say 20-year-old Edgar Samaniego was tracked down to a motel across the street from the shooting.

Officers were responding to S. Las Vegas Boulevard to assist with a group of rioters who police say were throwing rocks and bottles at officers. As officers were taking a person into custody, a gunshot was fired from across the street, hitting LVMPD Officer Shay Mikalonis.

Mikalonis was taken to University Medical Center Trauma and remains in critical condition.

Samaniego was identified through video surveillance. He was taken to the Clark County Detention Center and booked on one count of Attempted Murder of a Police Officer and two counts of Unlawful Discharging of a Firearm.

ORIGINAL STORY: Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford said he and his family are praying for the families of those killed and those who were injured following two shootings involving Las Vegas police officers during protests Monday night.

Authorities say a police officer was shot on the Las Vegas Strip and is now on life support.

A second incident involved police shooting and killing a man who federal officials say was armed with a rifle, and who reached for his weapon.

"Today, I was heartbroken to hear of two officer involved shootings that took place last night in the Las Vegas valley," said Ford. "According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, one officer is in critical condition, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Across Nevada and this nation, people are scared, angry and in pain. Racial injustice has been part of this country's history since before America was founded continues to this present day. But this country will not absolve its violent history with a violent future. Americans have made great strides towards equality because passionate people took the heat of their anger and used it to forge real change. Thousands of Nevadans have peacefully protested against racial injustice, and I support those peaceful demonstrations and taking constructive action. Donate to a cause, volunteer with an organization you believe in, and participate in our elections. You may feel helpless right now, but in reality, you have the power here to drive the change we are all seeking for a more equal and just country. "

Protesters have taken to the streets of Las Vegas for the past five nights following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Governor Steve Sisolak issued a statement on Twitter saying, "My Office has been notified that the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is currently working two separate incidents in Las Vegas. The State is in contact with local law enforcement and continues to monitor the situation."