LAS VEGAS (AP) - Las Vegas police have released the name of an officer who shot and wounded a 19-time felon who tried to escape ahead of his sentencing.
Authorities say Officer Phong Nguyen was escorting Christopher Gregory Ganci to a medical facility for what was described as a routine procedure when the inmate ran to an unattended pickup truck and drove away.
Police say the officer fired three rounds, striking Ganci once in the arm. Still, Ganci led officers on wreck-filled chase before surrendering near downtown casinos and the county courthouse.
Wednesday’s shooting marked the seventh for police this year.
Ganci ended up being sentenced Thursday to five consecutive life terms without parole for being found guilty in February of armed robbery, kidnapping, battery and two counts of conspiracy.
Police said Friday he’s also facing charges related to the escape.
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