6 Las Vegas High School Students Shot While Exiting Bus, 1 Suspect Arrested

LAS VEGAS – An 18-year-old male was arrested in a shooting where six people were shot and wounded while exiting a school bus in a working-class neighborhood in North Las Vegas.

The suspect, Nicco Tatum, was arrested Dec. 12 in Denver, a day after the shooting. Authorities received a tip that Tatum was planning to take a bus to Chicago. He is expected to be charged with six counts of battery with a deadly weapon and six counts of attempted murder with a deadly weapon.

All of the wounded individuals were sent to University Medical Center. Both 18-year-old Alejandro Rios and a 17-year-old male, whose name has not been released, have been upgraded from critical condition to serious condition. Both were shot in the torso.

The remaining victims, a 21-year-old male and three teens – two males and one female – all of whom are under the age of 18, were treated and released for gunshot wounds to their arms and legs. Three of the victims are students of Mojave High School. It is unclear whether the other injured teens were students or if they were on the school bus.

Security was tightened at Mojave High School and other neighboring schools after the shooting.

Police believe the incident is related to a fight that happened earlier at the high school, resulting in three arrests. The shooting, like the fight, is believed to be about a girl.

Police found 9-mm and .45-caliber shell casings. Authorities are searching for the second suspect. Police believe Tatum and his accomplice fled the scene on foot.

The incident occurred a few blocks away from two elementary schools just before 2 p.m. The schools were locked down briefly and reopened an hour later.

District officials said counselors would be available for students at the high school.

Tatum was detained in the Denver City Jail. He is expected to be transferred to Las Vegas.

If you appreciated this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!

Leading in Turbulent Times: Effective Campus Public Safety Leadership for the 21st Century

This new webcast will discuss how campus public safety leaders can effectively incorporate Clery Act, Title IX, customer service, “helicopter” parents, emergency notification, town-gown relationships, brand management, Greek Life, student recruitment, faculty, and more into their roles and develop the necessary skills to successfully lead their departments. Register today to attend this free webcast!

Get Our Newsletters
Campus Safety Conference promo