LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Metro police are investigating whether or not the artificial drug Spice contributed to a gunman capturing and killing a health club worker final month.
Metro police suspect Daniel Ortega, 34, supposed to hold out a mass capturing on the Las Vegas Athletic Membership on Rainbow Boulevard close to Vegas Drive earlier than his gun jammed.
On Friday, Could 16, Ortega killed Edgar Quinonez, 31. Metro police shot and killed Ortega as he ran out of the entrance of the enterprise. Three different folks have been injured within the capturing.
“We don’t have a definitive answer on it,” LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated throughout an unique interview Wednesday with the 8 Information Now Investigators. “I can tell you there was a long history of abuse of the drug Spice. That certainly could have contributed to that strange behavior.”
Spice, additionally known as K2, is an artificial cannabinoid that mimics THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, in response to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
“These products are being abused for their psychoactive properties and are packaged without information as to their health and safety risks,” the DEA warned.
Ortega’s historical past with Spice dates again a decade, McMahill stated. In 2013, North Las Vegas police arrested Ortega on a drug-trafficking cost, information stated. A choose ordered him to pay a effective, attend drug counseling, and carry out neighborhood service.
Ortega was a member of the health club and labored out at that location, however there was no connection recognized between him and Quinonez, police stated three days after the capturing.
Detectives have been awaiting toxicology outcomes as a part of their investigation, McMahill stated.
