On March 15, 2019, a dramatic and fatal incident unfolded at the Bellagio hotel-casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, resulting in the death of Michael Charles Cohen, a 49-year-old convicted felon. The events began shortly before 9:45 p.m. when Cohen, armed with a handgun, entered the Bellagio and approached the casino cage located near the poker room. Here, he demanded cash and chips from the cashier, using a similar disguise to one he had employed in a previous robbery at the same location in November
2017.
After receiving an undisclosed amount of cash and chips, Cohen exited the hotel through the north valet entrance. He then attempted to steal a white car but was unable to find the keys. Undeterred, he approached a black Mercedes, where a female driver refused to open the door despite Cohen's threats and display of his gun. The situation escalated as Cohen began driving the car forward, prompting the nearby police officers, who had been alerted to the robbery, to intervene.
The police officers, who were in the vicinity on their bicycles, quickly responded to the scene. As they approached Cohen, he fired his gun at them, striking one officer in the chest. Fortunately, the officer's protective vest saved him from serious injury. Officer Joaquin Escobar, 29, returned fire, hitting Cohen in the head. Cohen then attempted to flee the scene on foot but was fatally wounded and later pronounced dead at 3:17 a.m. at University Medical Center.
Michael Charles Cohen had a extensive and violent criminal history. He was linked to the 2017 robbery at the Bellagio's poker room, where a masked bandit had escaped in a Chevy Cruze. Police confirmed after Cohen's death that he was the perpetrator of both crimes, using the same disguise in both incidents. His criminal record included prior bank robberies in 1999 and 2008, as well as a kidnapping charge. This incident marked the third shooting involving a Las Vegas police officer in 2019 and the first one that resulted in a fatality.
The incident highlighted the swift and decisive response of the Las Vegas police, particularly in a situation where both officers and civilians were at risk. Assistant Sheriff Charles Hank emphasized the potential tragedy that was averted, noting the danger posed not only to the officers but also to the female driver and any potential bystanders.
In summary, Michael Charles Cohen's death was the culmination of a violent confrontation with law enforcement following his attempted robbery at the Bellagio. His actions led to a fatal exchange of gunfire, and his extensive criminal history underscored the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with repeat offenders.
