LAS VEGAS (AP) — An embattled Nevada rancher backed by self-described militia members is taking his grazing rights battle against the federal government to the sheriff in Las Vegas.
Cliven Bundy has called for his supporters and witnesses of a tense April 12 standoff near Interstate 15 in rural Bunkerville to file complaints Friday against federal Bureau of Land Management police.
Bundy and his wife, Carol, say they believe armed federal agents illegally blocked roads, harassed photographers, used attack dogs, pointed weapons and threatened people during the confrontation.
Facing armed militia members, the BLM backed down, released Bundy cattle rounded up from public land, and left the area near Mesquite, 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas.
Clark County Sheriff Douglas Gillespie has tried to keep Las Vegas police out of the dispute.