Investigators seize vehicle in Monday night's shooting

An investigator described a Carson City teen's condition as "touch and go" following a "running gunbattle" between rival Hispanic gangs Monday night.

Christopher Piche, 16, has a bullet lodged near his spine, said Carson City Sheriff's Lt. Bob White.

"The bullet is lodged in his neck in a position that is very life-threatening," he said. "If it moves around, it could kill him."

Investigators on Tuesday impounded a vehicle believed used in the shooting. Detective Dena Lacy said a warrant was issued Tuesday afternoon for the vehicle found in the garage of a home in the 1700 block of Darin Way.

Investigators questioned the vehicle owner's husband, but no charges have been brought.

Piche was a guest at 4839 August Drive about 11 p.m. Monday night when someone in the home received a call from a friend who stated he was being followed by rival gang members.

White said the friend's vehicle drove past the August Drive house once, before driving past a second time with the suspect vehicle following.

Piche was among several others at the home, some carrying boards and rocks, who came outside.

When the suspect vehicle was confronted, someone inside opened fire and struck Piche in the center of his face, to the right of his nose, said White.

Lacy said the vehicle impounded on Darin Way had a large hole in the windshield consistent with a rock having been thrown through it.

It's unknown if Piche was holding either a board or a rock when he was shot.

White said the bullet traveled downward, and is sitting precariously close to an artery leading to the teen's spine.

All the people involved in the chase fled on foot and by vehicle. At least two people tried to render aid to the wounded Piche.

He was conscious and alert when flown to Washoe Medical Center where he is being cared for in the intensive care unit with his family by his side, White said.

Two .25 cal. bullet casings were found. One was in front of the August Drive home and the other a block away at Highway 50 East and Sunrise Drive.

The initial incident began in the area of Airport Road and Woodside Drive - an East Carson City neighborhood notorious for gang activity - just before 11 p.m., and is part of a long-standing feud between the two rival gangs, Lacy said.

Several people have been interviewed, but their stories are conflicting, White said. He said gang shootings are especially hard to investigate because of the secrecy involved in the lifestyle.

"We get multiple stories of the event, witnesses fear they are going to be charged with something, and their macho attitude prevents them from telling the truth," he explained.

However, neither White nor Lacy were uncertain about the department's abilities.

"I am confident that through further investigation we will reveal all parties involved and uncover the truth of what happened," she said.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call the Carson City Sheriff's Department's detective division at 887-2020 ext. 1408. Lacy said callers can remain anonymous.