On November 17th, 2021, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers engaged in a high-speed vehicle chase with an armed suspect, who earlier in the day committed multiple robberies at gunpoint.

Police reports indicate, 36-year-old Steven Thomas initially conducted a robbery-at-gunpoint in the 1700 block of N. Decatur Boulevard, where he stole the victims vehicle. Only a few minutes later, Thomas reportedly entered a convenient store located in the 5400 block of Vegas Drive and demanded money from their safe, so Thomas fled the area. Approximately ten minutes later, Thomas entered a credit union located in the 7200 block of W. Lake Mead Boulevard, where he conducted a third robbery-at-gunpoint.

After the third robbery, area officers successfully located the stolen vehicle in the 3300 block of N. Tenaya Way and attempted a traffic stop. As indicated by officer body worn camera footage, Thomas exited the vehicle and began reaching for his waistband. In a split-second decision, the lead officer utilized his cruiser as a weapon, hitting Thomas and knocking him to the ground.

Thomas stood up and again reached for his waistband, where he successfully drew a firearm. In response, two officers fired over twenty shots in a desperate attempt to de-escalate the situation. Despite being shot numerous times, Thomas continued to reach for the weapon, forcing officers to continue use of lethal force. Officers provided medical aid to Thomas until he was transported to an area hospital. He was later pronounced deceased.

In a later statement by police, Thomas reportedly told his girlfriend earlier that day that he was "going to do something to get police to shoot him."