LAS VEGAS, NV – A late-night birthday celebration between friends turned deadly when a Las Vegas man was fatally shot early Monday after an argument escalated outside a bar, according to police and an arrest report.
Anthony Anderson, 37, was pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly after the shooting, which authorities say followed a confrontation with his roommate, 26-year-old Jordan Garcia. The two men had spent the night celebrating Anderson’s birthday at the Dive Bar alongside Anderson’s girlfriend before the situation unraveled.
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the group left the bar around 4 a.m. when an argument began over who would drive home. Investigators said Anderson had been drinking heavily, while his girlfriend had agreed to be the designated driver.
Events leading to the shooting
An arrest report obtained by KTNV states that Anderson insisted on driving, prompting Garcia to intervene. The disagreement intensified outside the vehicle, where the two men began fighting.
Anderson’s girlfriend told police the pair had been in good spirits earlier in the night, saying they had “expressed affection for one another” and referred to each other as “brothers.” She reported that Garcia had consumed some alcohol, while Anderson drank heavily.
The altercation turned physical after the group exited the bar. Anderson’s girlfriend told investigators she saw the two men “tussling on the ground” and attempted to break up the fight.
After separating them, she returned toward the car but then noticed something alarming. She told police she “saw flashes in her mirror, which she assumed were from a gun.” Moments later, Anderson was on the ground.
Witness account and arrest details
A bar employee who responded to the scene attempted to provide aid to Anderson and later told officers that Garcia admitted to the shooting. The employee said Garcia “stated something close to ‘I shot him and he tried to fight me.’”
Police said the firearm used in the shooting was found at the scene and belonged to Anderson, though it was reportedly shared between the two roommates. Investigators said Anderson had been carrying the weapon earlier in the evening.
Garcia did not speak to officers at the scene. Anderson was transported to Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.
Garcia has been charged with open murder and remains in custody at the Clark County Department of Corrections. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 9.
Las Vegas shooting, Anthony Anderson death, Jordan Garcia arrest, Dive Bar incident, Clark County open murder charge
