In the late hours of a warm Saturday, on July 1, 2023, the life of Phillip Lewis, a 44-year-old Black / African American male, was tragically cut short in a burst of gunfire in east Las Vegas. The incident unfolded just before midnight, at approximately 11:54 p.m., in front of a 7-Eleven convenience store located on Boulder Highway near South Lamb Boulevard.
Lewis was standing outside the business when a black sedan approached, and multiple rounds were fired from the vehicle.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to the scene after receiving reports of the shooting. ShotSpotter technology in the area detected a barrage of 28 rounds fired. Arriving officers discovered a chaotic scene with three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Medical personnel were dispatched, but tragically, Phillip Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other people were also caught in the hail of bullets. A 28-year-old man sustained an injury to his ankle, while a 21-year-old woman suffered serious torso injuries that required surgery. She was later reported to be in stable condition. The shooting is being investigated by homicide detectives as a drive-by incident.
In the wake of the violence, the black sedan fled the area before law enforcement arrived. To date, no arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Phillip Lewis, and the suspect or suspects involved remain at large and unidentified. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has appealed to the public for any information that might lead to the apprehension of those responsible for this senseless act of violence.
