Sheriff: Near-miss shooting 'justified'

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A Carson City Sheriff's deputy remains on the job after a "justified shooting" Sunday in which she missed the target - a man allegedly charging her and another deputy, the sheriff said.

Sheriff Kenny Furlong said Deputy Paula Andrews returned to work the day following the midnight shooting on Poole Way.

According to police reports, Andrews and Sgt. Darrin Sloan responded on a report of a domestic battery in the 2200 block of Poole Way about 12:16 a.m.

A group of people was at the address and told the deputies Niva Montez, 21, was "on drugs and acting crazy."

When Montez was approached by the officers, he allegedly stated, "I am God, I will kill you," while lunging at Sloan.

In the ensuing struggle, Sloan used his taser on Montez, according to the report, but the man did not react. When the two fired their tasers again, Montez allegedly fell onto the couch, but then got up and tried to get at the officers.

He was struck again and fell to the ground, but when Andrews attempted to handcuff him, he jumped up and at some point struck Sloan with an object, again yelling "I am God, I will kill you!" according to the report.

After ordering Montez to get on the ground, Andrews reported that Montez would not comply, turned as if he were going to flee, then charged at her, again saying "I will kill you." She stated she then drew her gun and fired one shot.

The bullet missed Montez and ended up in the street, Furlong said.

Montez fled the scene and was apprehended later. He was booked into jail on suspicion of resisting arrest with violence, battery on a police officer and domestic battery.

"The preliminary finding is that it was a justified shooting and she's back at work," Furlong said.

A Critical Incident Review Board, consisting of two department staff members and a resident of Carson City, will look at the case, Furlong said.

The Nevada Department of Investigation is handling a criminal investigation.

n Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.