LAS VEGAS (KSNV MyNews3) -- Questions continue to surround a death on the 215 beltway this month.
Alejandro Sanchez-Escoto fell to his death Sept. 7 from the 215 overpass after Nevada Highway Patrol troopers tried to subdue him. It was later revealed police used a Taser on the man before the fatal fall.
Troopers say Sanchez-Escoto was walking on the highway. It was also reported that he may have decided to run from authorities that day because he was not a U.S. citizen and was possibly concerned about deportation.
Family members, however, say he didn't have to die that day and wonder if it was even necessary for troopers to even use the Taser.
Raul Escoto has trouble holding back emotion when recalling childhood memories with his older brother, Alejandro.
"We used to work out, and he would teach me, ‘Hey do it like this,” he said. “We used to go play. … He was just a family member, a good brother, good son and good father.”
Troopers say Sanchez-Escoto had been walking on the freeway when he fell to his death.
News 3 later learned the trooper used a Taser on Alejandro sometime before the fatal fall.
Family members are convinced Sanchez-Escoto didn't have to die that day and insist he was not suicidal.
"He had two jobs, he was working, he was the supporter of the whole family,” said interpreter Lupe Robledo.
The family says he was headed to an Albertson’s Grocery Store early that morning. Because he walked everywhere, he was probably looking for a shortcut.
Metro is now investigating the trooper-involved death. They'll specifically try to determine at what point and where exactly the Taser was deployed.
Metro's use-of-force policy, incidentally, prohibits the use of electronic control devices when a subject is in a position where a fall may cause substantial injury.
So far, police have not discussed the death with the family, only to ask if Alejandro was suicidal.
Raul says absolutely not and says the family deserves to know what really happened.
The family is looking for witnesses and set up a hotline to call if anyone out there can provide facts in this case: (702) 385-3342.
