Los Angeles

Bruce Paddock, Brother of Las Vegas Shooter, Arrested on Suspicion of Possessing Child Pornography

A law enforcement official told the Associated Press that the child porn case predates the mass shooting in Las Vegas

The brother of Las Vegas shooter Stephen Paddock has been arrested on suspicion of possession of child pornography, according to police.

Bruce Paddock, 59, was arrested early Wednesday at an assisted living center in North Hollywood. Aerial video showed investigators in a lot behind the building in the 5300 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard.

A criminal complaint filed in Los Angeles County lists 20 potential counts and indicates the alleged crimes, including possession of child pornography and sexual exploitation of a child, occurred in 2014. Los Angeles police said the investigation began after authorities discovered evidence inside a business in Sun Valley. Bruce Paddock had been "squatting" inside the business on San Fernando Road following his eviction from a residence, police said.

Authorities were unable to locate Paddock during the initial investigation. It was not immediately clear what led investigators to the North Hollywood location.

It wasn't immediately known if he has an attorney. Bond was set at $60,000.

An attorney who represented Bruce Paddock in past criminal matters told NBC News that he is no longer representing him and declined comment. Court records show Bruce Paddock has previous convictions for vandalism, criminal threats and theft, according to NBC News.

Bruce Paddock spoke with NBC News following the shooting, describing his own misdeeds as "minor." He said he was questioned by FBI agents after the mass shooting, mostly about his brother's childhood, NBC News reported.

Another brother, Eric Paddock also spoke to NBC News following the Oct. 1 shooting where his 64-year-old brother fired on a crowded outdoor music festival in Las Vegas, killing 58 people and wounding scores more. He said he was "dumbfounded" by his brother's actions and recalled him as "just a guy" who stayed at hotels, gambled and went to shows.

Nearly a month after the shooting, authorities are still attempting to determine the motive behind the shooting, the deadliest in modern U.S. history. 

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates. 

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