Man crashes into power substation outside Las Vegas in suspected terror attack, police say

LAS VEGAS ( KVVU ) — Authorities in Las Vegas say they are investigating a terrorism event after a vehicle rammed into an area power substation.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said the situation started Thursday morning.

According to authorities, 911 operators received a call around 10 a.m. reporting a vehicle had crashed through a secured gate at a substation in Boulder City, 25 miles southeast of Las Vegas.

McMahill said the driver of the vehicle was identified as 23-year-old Dawson Maloney from Albany, New York, where he was reported missing.

Police said Maloney ended up taking his own life at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot.

Law enforcement noted that the 23-year-old had communicated with family before the crash, referencing self-harm, and said he was going to commit an act that would place him on the news.

According to police, Maloney additionally referred to himself as a terrorist in a message sent to his mother.

McMahill said explosive materials and multiple books “related to extremist ideologies” were found in Maloney’s hotel room.

“These findings significantly elevate the seriousness of this incident,” the sheriff said.

Two shotguns, an assault rifle-style pistol, and flame throwers were also found in Maloney’s rental car, with him wearing what police described as “soft-body armor,” McMahill said.

The power substation is owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The facility works closely with Hoover Dam and transfers power to the Los Angeles basin.

A spokesperson for the company shared that there were no impacts or disruptions to its operations.

The FBI is also investigating.