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Storey County Sheriff: Arrests made in Hot August nights racial incident in Virginia City
Three people involved in a racially charged incident Friday during Hot August Nights have been arrested, according to the Storey County Sheriff's Office in a news release.
The arrests were made following an investigation into racial slurs that were allegedly directed at a black man, Ricky Johnson, during the annual northern Nevada car show that began in Virginia City on August 2. Johnson was gathering signatures for a ballot measure when the incident took place. He posted a Tik Tok video that went viral, subsequently drawing widespread criticism and the investigation by the sheriff's office.
On Wednesday night the sheriff's office released booking photos and the following press release via social media.
In reference to the event that took place on August 2, during the Hot August Nights Car Show in Virginia City. After submitting our investigation to the Storey County District Attorney and The Storey County Justice Court, we received three warrants of arrest for the subjects involved in the incident.
The Storey County Sheriff's Office obtained criminal warrants of arrest for Gary Miller, Janis Miller and Tiffany Miller. We have subsequently served those warrants of arrest on all three subjects; they have been booked into the Story County Detention Center with separate bail amounts.
Gary Miller has been charged with violation of Breach of Peace, Storey County Municipal Code 8.04.020 / Nevada Revised Statute 203.010 and Nevada Revised Statute 207.185, a gross misdemeanor.
Janis Miller has been charged with violation of Storey County Municipal Code 1.08.020 / Nevada Revised Statute 200.481 (1)(a) Battery, a misdemeanor.
Tiffany Miller has been charged with violation of Story County Municipal Code 10.04.010 / Nevada Revised Statute 197.190 Obstructing and Delaying a Peace Officer, a misdemeanor.
The Storey County Sheriff's Office is continuing to look at all the information presented and all information preceding the initial video recording and actions of all parties and witnesses leading up to the altercation. If you witnessed any of these events you are asked to contact the Storey County Sheriff's Office.
Separate from this incident the Story County Sheriff's Office with the assistance of the State of Nevada is compiling the threatening and harassing phone calls that continue to come in to our community.
As we compile all this information, we will look at each case individually and either move forward with separate investigations or not depending on the circumstance.
Once again, I would like the public to know that the Storey County Sheriff's Office takes these actions by these individuals very seriously and we will always thoroughly investigate any and all calls for service and criminal allegations. We appreciate the public's patience and understanding as we work through this case and the assistance that has been offered by the State of Nevada.
The Storey County Sheriff's Office does not tolerate hate or racist speech of any kind toward any person or group of persons and we will continue to expend every effort and resource to ensuring the safety of our citizens, visitors and staff.
The following statement is from Attorney General Aaron Ford following the arrests that were made:
"Just a while ago, several individuals involved in the Virginia City incident over the weekend were served with arrest warrants and detained at the local jail.
"The public outcry was heard loud and clear, and steps have been taken to hold these individuals accountable for their racist and unlawful actions. I commend Sheriff Cullen and his deputies for their responsiveness to the incident giving rise to these outcries. And I appreciate all the calls, emails and comments on social media expressing concerns and denouncing racism and hatred.
Unfortunately, my office has also received reports of threats of violence directed towards Storey County community members and law enforcement. While I understand heightened emotions regarding this situation, cooler heads must prevail. I do not condone threats of violence of any kind.”