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Incident
Officer Ernest May was shot and killed while responding to a shooting call at a local hotel. The callers had stated a drunk man was shooting wildly at a local business. Officer May's brother, also a police officer, arrived shortly afterwards but did not see Officer May's car and left. He later returned after calls were received about more shooting in the area. Upon investigation, Officer May and the hotel owner were found shot to death near a corner of the hotel. The two had exchanged shots and fatally wounded each other. Investigation showed that as Officer May arrived on the scene, he was shot as he exited his police car. Although mortally wounded, he was able to return fire and kill the suspect. Officer May had served with the Las Vegas Police for eight years and had previously served with the United States Marshals Service.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, seven children, and brother.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer May gave the Las Vegas Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Las Vegas community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer May.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Las Vegas Police Department has lost 6 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Ernest is one of 82 officers killed feloniously in NV, 56.2% of the 146 remembered there.
Ernest is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ernest is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1933, 1 officer at Las Vegas Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1933, 2 officers in NV were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1979, with 4.
In 1933, 184 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1933, 186 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ernest was 38. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Las Vegas Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 32.8 and 43.5; the middle age was 35.5. Ernest had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
Ernest was 38. Of the 70 killed feloniously in NV whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 46; the middle age was 37. Ernest had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Ernest was 38. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Ernest had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ernest was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Ernest had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 20% of these deaths at Las Vegas Police Department; October holds the most, 60%. Thursdays: 20%.
June holds 11% of these deaths in NV; October holds the most, 13.4%. Thursdays: 18.3%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 83.3% of all 6 deaths at Las Vegas Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 56.2% of all 146 deaths in NV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 15.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Las Vegas Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, Ernest among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Las Vegas Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
