LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — A man allegedly texted his intent to drive a vehicle into a Las Vegas business before assaulting the mother of his three children, according to prosecutors during a court hearing.
Shawn Handley, 45, appeared in court on Tuesday facing ten charges, including attempted murder involving a deadly weapon, six counts of assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, battery resulting in substantial bodily harm, and destruction of property.
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, Handley crashed a vehicle into a Dollar Tree located on Craig Road near Decatur Boulevard around 7:30 a.m. on Monday, subsequently stabbing a woman. Authorities indicated that the incident arose from a domestic dispute.
A state representative detailed in court, “The defendant informed his domestic relation ahead of time via text message that he intended to crash the vehicle through the wall of her place of business. He carried out that threat, nearly killing her with the vehicle, and then pursued her out the back door, stabbing her in front of numerous witnesses and inflicting multiple stab wounds.”
Additionally, a firearm was discharged during the incident, though police clarified that the shots were fired by a nearby individual aiming at Handley.
A prosecutor stated, “Anytime in this country when a person intends to take someone's life, they should anticipate that someone nearby, even if it's one of their own relations, might respond with lethal force, which is precisely what transpired here.”
The court also learned that Handley has a criminal record that includes five felonies and gross misdemeanors spanning from 1998 to 2006 in various states, although specific charges were not elaborated upon.
Handley's defense attorney requested bail set at $30,000, arguing that the past convictions are decades old and highlighting Handley's established ties to the community through his commercial cleaning business, which generates approximately $5,000 a month.
The defense further asserted that Handley has resided in the area for many years and would adhere to conditions such as electronic monitoring and no-contact orders.
Despite this defense, Judge Suzan Baucum voiced concerns regarding public safety, ultimately setting bail at $750,000, in line with the prosecutors' request.
“The allegations presented in court, particularly the text message in which you indicated that you would crash your vehicle into the victim's place of business, raise significant concerns for the court,” said Baucum.
The woman involved in the incident was transported to the hospital.
Handley is expected to return to court on March 26.