Carson City Judge sentences man in Olive Garden rampage calling actions an 'act of terrorism'
A Carson City judge sentenced a 57-year-old man to prison for terrorizing customers and employees with a loaded weapon at an Olive Garden restaurant here in July 2013.
David Paul Lane was handed the maximum sentence of at least 11 years by Judge James Wilson on one count of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of carrying a concealed weapon following last month's conviction.
On July 21, 2013, Lane entered Olive Garden with a concealed firearm, drew it and pointed it at employees and patrons. In arguing for the maximum sentence, Assistant District Attorney Mark Krueger stated:
“When the defendant entered that restaurant and pointed it at people, it created pandemonium. People left knocking down chairs and turning over tables, leaving purses and belongings behind out of fear that they would hurt.”
Judge Wilson, in handing down his sentence, stated that Lane’s actions were “an act of terrorism.” The court followed the recommendation of the State and sentenced Lane to a maximum sentence of 6 years on the assault with a deadly weapon and 5 years for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.
“In handing down the maximum sentence Judge Wilson sent a clear message that such criminal behavior cannot and will not be tolerated. Carson City’s citizens and visitors should be able to come to a restaurant and expect to enjoy their meal without fear,” stated Krueger in a released statement.
The Court further ran the sentences consecutive to each other and consecutive to the sentence Lane is currently serving for Resisting a Public Officer with a Firearm, which conviction arose on the same night following the events at Olive Garden when officers in Douglas County arrested Lane. “As a result of his criminal behavior, Lane could serve as much as 14 years in prison,” stated District Attorney Neil Rombardo.