Lyon County Sheriff: Suspect in vehicle pursuit dies in vehicle fire, deputy injured
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 07/29/2024 - 7:09am
On Sunday, July 28, 2024 at approximately 7:55 p.m. the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center received a call for service stating a male suspect was driving erratically, failed to stop at multiple stop signs and almost struck pedestrians and other vehicles.
While the reporting party was on the phone with dispatch, they advised the suspect driver was at a local gas station and appeared intoxicated. The reporting party advised the suspect driver was purchasing more alcohol. Lyon County Sheriff's deputies and the Nevada State Police were advised of the situation. A short time later, the suspect left the gas station, peeling out and “smoking” the tires on his vehicle.
The Nevada State Police located the suspect vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The suspect fled, and a pursuit was initiated. Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Deputies joined and took lead on the pursuit a short time later. Deputies reported observing the suspect vehicle collide with multiple vehicles in the Fernley area and nearly strike numerous others.
The suspect was traveling at excessive speeds and was observed to be driving at over 100 miles per hour through light traffic conditions. The driving pattern caused the deputies to be concerned for the safety of our residents, bystanders, law enforcement personnel and the suspect himself.
They attempted to use various tactics to slow the suspect and his vehicle or end the pursuit, to no avail. The suspect’s dangerous and reckless driving pattern continued in spite of the deputies’ efforts to change it.
Through those de-escalation tactics, the suspect, on multiple occasions, rammed one deputy’s patrol vehicle and attempted to cause several other collisions. Eventually, the suspect was successful in causing a collision between his vehicle and a patrol vehicle, which was captured on a Ring doorbell camera.
The suspect’s vehicle was not disabled during this collision, and he fled the area. The deputy’s patrol vehicle sustained significant damage and was disabled, preventing a prolonged continuation in the pursuit.
Other deputies in the area continued attempting to get the suspect to stop and followed him with lights and sirens activated.
Deputies followed the suspect vehicle eastbound on Newlands Drive near Nevada Pacific Boulevard. The pavement turned to dirt, and the suspect continued onto the unmaintained portion of the road, through a narrow stretch between heavy construction equipment.
Deputies identified the danger of continuing into this area as they approached it, slowed down and backed off the pursuit, continuing from a much larger and safer distance. This tactic was used not only to increase the safety of the involved deputies, but to attempt to de-escalate the situation.
The suspect driver did not alter his driving or conduct and continued eastbound on Newlands. A short time later, Deputies observed the suspect vehicle fish tailing and roll into a cloud of dust.
They drove toward the vehicle to attempt to render aid to the suspect and found the vehicle sitting upright on all four tires. The vehicle was smoking and had visible flames coming from it.
Deputies approached the vehicle and removed the suspect from the flaming vehicle in an attempt to save his life. The suspect was carried away from the area by deputies, who performed lifesaving efforts, including CPR. North Lyon County Fire Department Personnel arrived on scene and took over lifesaving efforts.
They also worked to put out the fire and were able to prevent the fire from spreading. Ultimately, lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful and the suspect was confirmed deceased at the scene. The suspect was identified as the lone occupant of the vehicle.
The suspect’s identity is not being released at this time due to the on-going nature of this investigation and in compliance with Nevada Revised Statute.
One Lyon County Sheriff’s Office deputy was evaluated for minor injuries stemming from this incident. Another Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was evaluated for bio-hazard contamination stemming from his heroic actions in removing the suspect from the flaming vehicle.
The Nevada State Police were requested to conduct an investigation into the incident and numerous collisions involved therein. The Storey County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the coroner investigation into the suspect’s death.
Both of the agencies were contacted as a matter of standard practice and protocol. This is an on-going investigation. If you have information regarding this incident, damage to your personal property or you witnessed something in the area you think may be pertinent to this incident, please contact the Nevada State Police or the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center at 775-463-6620.
