A Nevada woman is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say she escalated a confrontation with another shopper at a Las Vegas Walmart by calling her husband and instructing him to bring a gun. The incident ended with one man critically injured by gunfire and her husband being fatally shot by police after allegedly opening fire inside the store.
Woman Accused of Escalating Walmart Altercation
According to Las Vegas police, Raqiya Ward has been charged with battery with a deadly weapon, disregard for the safety of persons or property, and conspiracy to commit battery following the violent incident on July 21.
An arrest report states that the confrontation began when Ward became involved in an argument with Kwame Swain, who had been arguing with his girlfriend outside the Walmart.
Investigators allege that Ward walked past the couple, made a comment, and exchanged words with Swain. The verbal dispute quickly turned physical, with punches allegedly thrown by both sides. Police also say rocks were thrown during the confrontation.
Police Say Ward Called Husband and Told Him to Bring a Gun
As the fight continued, investigators allege that Ward telephoned her husband, Travis Ward, asking him to come to the Walmart to help her.
Witnesses told police they heard Ward tell her husband to “bring a gun.”
According to the arrest report, Travis Ward arrived at the store armed with a handgun. Police say Raqiya Ward then directed him toward Swain, telling him, “He’s inside, no shirt.”
Authorities believe that statement helped Travis Ward identify the man involved in the earlier fight.
Gunfire Erupts Inside Walmart
Police allege Travis Ward entered the Walmart carrying the handgun and confronted Swain inside the store.
Investigators say he fired at Swain, striking him and causing panic among shoppers and employees, who rushed to escape the store.
The arrest report further alleges that Travis Ward attempted to fire additional shots at Swain, but the handgun malfunctioned before more rounds could be fired.
The shooting occurred shortly after the Walmart had opened for business, leaving customers scrambling for safety.
Officer Fatally Shoots Armed Suspect
Officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) responded to the Walmart, located in the 5100 block of Boulder Highway, at approximately 6 a.m.
Police said officers were initially dispatched after receiving reports of a physical fight involving several people inside the store.
According to a police captain, one responding officer heard what appeared to be a gunshot while approaching the entrance.
Moments later, the officer encountered Travis Ward exiting the Walmart while still holding a firearm.
Believing there was an immediate threat, the officer opened fire, striking Travis Ward.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Shooting Victim Remains in Critical Condition
After securing the suspect, officers entered the Walmart and located Kwame Swain, who had suffered a gunshot wound.
Police immediately provided emergency medical treatment before transporting him to a local hospital.
Authorities said Swain remained in critical condition following the shooting.
Customers Describe Terrifying Scene
Shoppers who witnessed the incident described the atmosphere inside the Walmart as chaotic and frightening.
One customer, Christopher Goodloe, said he had simply stopped by the store to purchase Tylenol before beginning his morning walk.
Instead, he found himself in the middle of an active shooting scene, describing the situation as something he had never experienced during his 32 years living in Las Vegas.
Another shopper told local reporters she was shocked because the Walmart is frequented by families from the surrounding neighborhood.
She said she never imagined a shooting would happen at the store where she regularly shops.
Prosecutors Blame Defendants for Escalating Violence
During a court hearing, prosecutors argued that the deadly sequence of events began with the physical fight allegedly initiated by Raqiya Ward and another woman, Ameea Blue.
According to prosecutors, the confrontation escalated when Travis Ward was summoned to the Walmart with a firearm.
They argued that calling an armed individual to the scene transformed what began as a physical altercation into a deadly shooting that left one man critically injured and another dead.
Co-Defendant Also Faces Charges
Police also arrested Ameea Blue, who investigators say was involved in the initial confrontation with Swain.
Following their court appearances, Raqiya Ward was ordered held without bail, while Ameea Blue was granted bail set at $25,000.
Both women are scheduled to return to court on Tuesday as prosecutors continue pursuing the criminal case.
The investigation into the Walmart shooting remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing evidence surrounding the incident.
