Suspect dies after fiery accident that ended a police chase in Lyon County; investigation ongoing

LYON COUNTY, Nev. (News 4 and Fox 11) — An investigation is underway after a suspected reckless driver was killed in a traffic accident in the Fernley area on Sunday evening following a police chase.

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a call just before 8 p.m. on July 28 reporting a man was driving erratically, failing to stop at multiple stop signs and nearly hitting pedestrians and other vehicles. The caller told dispatch the suspect driver was at a local gas station and appeared intoxicated. The caller also said the suspect was purchasing more alcohol.

A short time later, the suspect left the gas station, driving at full speed and letting the tires of his car “smoke”.

Nevada State Police located the suspect’s vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The suspect fled and a pursuit was initiated. Officers from the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office joined in and took over the lead of the pursuit a short time later.

Officers saw the suspect’s vehicle collide and nearly collide with several other vehicles in the Fernley area. Authorities say the suspect was traveling at excessive speeds and was observed driving over 100 miles per hour in light traffic. Officers attempted to slow the suspect and his vehicle or end the pursuit using various tactics, but to no avail.

Authorities say that despite officers’ efforts, the suspect continued his dangerous and reckless driving behavior. On multiple occasions, the suspect rammed an officer’s patrol vehicle and attempted to cause several more collisions. Eventually, the suspect caused a collision between his vehicle and a patrol vehicle.

The suspect fled the area after the accident. The officer’s patrol vehicle sustained significant damage and was disabled, so the pursuit could no longer continue. Other officers in the area continued to attempt to get the suspect to stop and pursued him with their blue lights and sirens on.

Officers followed the suspect vehicle eastbound on Newlands Drive near Nevada Pacific Boulevard.

The asphalt turned into a dirt road, and the suspect continued driving on the unmaintained portion of the road, through a narrow stretch between heavy construction equipment. Authorities say officers slowed down and stopped the pursuit, continuing it from a much greater and safer distance.

The suspect continued driving east on Newlands.

A short time later, officers observed the suspect’s vehicle skidding and turning into a cloud of dust.

They approached the vehicle to assist the suspect and found the vehicle upright on all four tires. The vehicle was smoking and had visible flames coming from it.

Officers approached the suspect and removed him from the burning vehicle. Officers carried the suspect from the area and performed rescue operations.

North Lyon County Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and took over rescue efforts. They also extinguished the fire and were able to prevent the fire from spreading.

The suspect’s death was eventually confirmed at the scene. Authorities determined that he was the only occupant of the vehicle.

The identity of the suspect has not been disclosed.

A deputy with the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office was investigated for minor injuries resulting from this incident. Another deputy with the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office was investigated for biological contamination after recovering the suspect from the burning vehicle.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident, property damage, or who observed anything in the area they believe may be related to this incident is asked to contact Nevada State Police or the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center at 775-463-6620.