Lyon County DA review concludes 2016 officer involved shooting in Silver Springs was justified
Lyon County District Attorney Stephen B. Rye announced Wednesday that a review involving a fatal officer-involved shooting of 19-year-old Tristan Conti of Reno on Feb. 25, 2016 has concluded the deputy was justified in employing deadly force. Conti died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head at the scene of the incident after exchanging gunfire with a deputy.
On February 25, 2016, Conti and three juveniles carjacked a man in Sparks and took his red Chevrolet. Conti and the juveniles stopped in Silver Springs where a Lyon County deputy recognized the description of the reported stolen vehicle.
The deputy made contact with Conti and one of the juveniles outside the Nugget Casino in Silver Springs. The Deputy advised them to put their hands up, which the suspects refused to do. Very shortly thereafter, Conti turned and fired a pistol at the Lyon County deputy with a bullet impacting the deputy’s patrol vehicle and another impacting the deputy’s hand.
Fearing for his life and the lives of others, the deputy returned fire and shot Conti and the juvenile. After being shot, Conti turned his own gun on himself and shot himself in the head.
According to the report, Conti died from the self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head at the scene of the incident. The deputy then applied medical aid to the wounded juvenile, who was transported to the hospital, treated for a gunshot wound, and later released.
Under the facts, circumstances and applicable law, the deputy was justified in employing deadly force, the investigation concluded.
Nevada Division of Investigations conducted the investigation in this matter. This investigation also involved work by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office crime lab and FIS divisions. One of the reasons for the delay in a final review was waiting for the results of the various tests and a comparison and review of the photos, statements, and evidence recovered during the investigation in this matter.
The officer’s name has been withheld due to officer safety concerns.