1 chimp dead, 1 tranquilized after Las Vegas escape

(AP/KLAS) LAS VEGAS - Las Vegas police say they had no choice but to kill one chimpanzee and tranquilize another after the agitated animals escaped a home.

Police say an officer shot the chimp because the animal was on the move and heading toward an area where a group of people had gathered outside to watch the event unfold. Police say the officer was concerned for the safety of the residents.

Officer Marcus Martin told CBS affiliate KLAS-TV that a caller reported a chimp atop a vehicle and another caller reported a primate banging on a police car after the escape was reported about 10 a.m. Thursday.

Martin said the chimps were very large and estimated they weighed 170 pounds or more.

Police sent out tweets calling the animal dangerous and urging residents to stay inside their cars or homes. 

By noon, the chimps were both stopped. Video showed one of the animals lying face down in the middle of a road surrounded by animal control and police cars.