A Las Vegas man accused of endangering law enforcement in two separate incidents now faces a slew of charges, including attempted murder of a police officer. The suspect, 43-year-old Johnathan Gaston, was arrested by Henderson police on Monday after allegedly using a stolen car to ram a sergeant’s patrol vehicle.
According to reports, Gaston “suddenly accelerated” toward a sergeant standing near the driver’s side of his patrol car. The sergeant, in self-defense, fired five shots at Gaston, hitting him. Gaston faces charges of attempted murder, battery with a deadly weapon, and several other offenses. The sergeant, who sustained a head injury requiring 11 staples, is expected to recover.
The Monday incident adds to Gaston’s criminal history. In September 2024, Gaston was accused of a similar offense involving a Las Vegas police cruiser. Officers found him asleep behind the wheel of a running stolen car at a gas station. When approached, Gaston reportedly revved the engine and rammed the cruiser. The vehicle, stolen the previous month, had mismatched license plates and VIN numbers.
Following his September arrest, Gaston was placed on house arrest after posting a $25,000 bail. He was required to wear an ankle monitor, but by October, Gaston had absconded from house arrest and failed to appear in court. It remains unclear what happened to his ankle monitor after he disappeared.
During his initial court appearance for the latest charges on Wednesday, the judge denied Gaston bail due to an outstanding bench warrant from his September case. An arraignment is scheduled for January 21.
These alarming incidents highlight concerns about public safety and the challenges of monitoring high-risk offenders. Law enforcement officials stress the importance of stricter oversight for individuals on house arrest to prevent future offenses.
The case has drawn attention to the dangers faced by police officers on duty and the need for justice to ensure accountability. The community awaits Gaston’s arraignment as authorities continue their investigation.
