LAS VEGAS – A horrific attack at a veterans housing facility has left one man permanently disfigured after his roommate allegedly assaulted him with a machete, authorities said.
Brandon Smith, 32, was arrested on charges of attempted murder and mayhem following the brutal incident on Feb. 14 inside the U.S.VETS housing facility. The attack resulted in the victim losing his arm due to the severity of his injuries.
Metro police responded to a call around 5 p.m. regarding a man in urgent need of medical attention near Bonanza Road and Las Vegas Boulevard. Another caller reported a man—later identified as Smith—possibly involved in the assault.
When paramedics arrived, they found the victim suffering from deep lacerations to his face, arm, and hand. Due to the extent of the injuries, doctors were forced to amputate his arm. Smith was later located outside a nearby police substation and taken into custody.
During police questioning, Smith admitted to attacking his roommate with a machete, stating he had reached his “breaking point.” He claimed the victim and other roommates had harassed him for months, though police found no evidence to support this claim. When informed that the victim would lose his arm, Smith showed no remorse, responding, “I don’t really feel sorry for it.”
Authorities recovered the machete after Smith confessed to discarding it in a trash can.
Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Daniel Westmeyer set Smith’s bail at $50,000, with conditions that he have no contact with the victim if released. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 5.
U.S.VETS, the organization managing the housing facility, expressed deep sorrow over the violent incident. “We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and providing counseling support to our residents and staff,” said Shalimar Cabrera, the organization’s national director of executive leadership. However, officials have yet to explain how a machete was brought onto the premises.
Smith remains in custody as the investigation continues.
