A Republican politician campaigning in Las Vegas was attacked by a knife-wielding robber in broad daylight while putting up campaign posters.
Stanley Vaughn, 67, was thinking about putting up a sign along Pecos Street to announce his candidacy for state House of Representatives on Aug. 29 when a man approached him and demanded his wallet. Local KVVU report.
“I turned around and was kind of caught off guard, and he lunged at me,” the U.S. Army veteran said. “My instinct was to kick him and he ran away.”
“When I jumped in the car, I realized I was bleeding,” he recalled, adding that his wife, a nurse, tended to his wounds.
The attack left Vaughn with cuts on his forearms, which remain bandaged.
Vaughan said he suspected the suspect was homeless, citing his disheveled appearance, and vowed not to hang up election posters alone in the future.
The Silver State Republican remains active in his campaign for the 20th State House District, and the incident highlights his efforts to reduce crime in the area as a security and police liaison for his homeowners' association.
Incumbent Representative David Orentlicher, Vaughn's challenger, condemned the attack and said he would support his opponent.
“We are extremely concerned and saddened by the attack on Mr. Vaughn and wish him a speedy recovery,” Orentlicher said in a statement.
“We all deserve to feel safe in our communities and I am committed to continuing our efforts to reduce crime across Nevada. I want to see criminals held accountable for their actions,” he added.
Las Vegas police said the stabbing was an isolated incident and the suspect is not connected to other incidents in the area.
