Man with rifle at motel surrenders peacefully on Christmas Eve

E. Tropicana and S. Las Vegas Blvd

Metro Police responded to a barricade situation with an armed suspect late Wednesday at a motel next to the airport.

Police converged on the Howard Johnson at 165 E. Tropicana Ave. at about 9 p.m. on reports of a family disturbance and possible hostage situation.

According to police scanner communications, shots were fired from a room at the hotel.

A witness told police that a male suspect in the room was armed, possibly with an assault rifle, and that a woman was also in the room.

Police evacuated several surrounding rooms, and established communications with the suspect.

At about 10 p.m., the suspect released the woman.

She was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to Lt. Sean Toman of Metro.

The man later gave himself up without incident, according to Toman. He was taken into custody at about 1 a.m.

Police found numerous weapons, including the assault rifle, according to Toman.

The woman told police he's a suspect wanted in Washington state.

Officers shut down traffic at Tropicana and Koval Lane amid the standoff.

Motel staff did not comment on the incident when reached this morning.