A regular landscaping task at a northwest Las Vegas apartment complex took a bizarre turn when a worker was struck in the head by a crossbow bolt, authorities said. The landscaper later discovered he was bleeding and was transported to the trauma center at University Medical Centerfficers executed a search warrant at a nearby residence, arresting a man they believe was involved.
Police: Dispute Over Towed Car And Leaf Blower
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According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the incident began after the suspect recovered his silver Kia Rio from a tow lot and became irate. According to the arrest record, the defendant is 46-year-old Charles Nichols, who claimed that his homeowners association had hired a landscaping team to harass him with a leaf blower. Police say Nichols began throwing objects at the landscaper, including a can of soup and potentially butter knives, when a bolt impacted him near his right temple.
Bolts, Crossbow And The Arrest
Responding cops discovered two small black bolts near where the landscaper had been working, as well as another bolt with a missing tip. Investigators claim a subsequent search of Nichols’ home revealed a crossbow stashed inside an air-conditioning vent. Authorities discovered six bolts at the property that matched those seized at the scene, and Nichols was detained on February 26 at a northwest valley condominium complex. According to KOLD, the man was rushed to the trauma unit at University Medical Centerng pain near his right temple and witnessing blood.
Charges And Possible Penalties
Battery with a deadly weapon is a category B felony in Nevada, punishable by a minimum of two years and up to ten years in prison if no serious physical harm is shown, and up to fifteen years if considerable bodily harm is established, according to the Nevada Revised Statutes. Attempted murder is also a crime that carries severe jail time, and any conviction on several counts may result in consecutive sentences, depending on how prosecutors charge and how a judge determines.
What The Suspect Told Investigators
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nichols stated in the arrest record that he had no intention of causing harm to the landscaper and had only consumed one beer that day. According to the report, Nichols denied owning a bow, saying he possessed darts and throwing stars and had a Nevada hunting license. He also admitted to having high anxiety.
What’s Next
Detectives are continuing their investigation and intend to submit their findings to the Clark County District Attorney’s Office for evaluation. As of the time of publication, no court dates had been publicly publicized.