Fernley pursuit leads to arrest

A Sparks man was arrested on numerous charges Sunday night for trying to evade law enforcement officers from Fernley and the Nevada Highway Patrol.

Joseph Patrick Williams, 34, was arrested at the scene after a chase. He has been charged with driving under influence, assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon, battery on a police officer with a deadly weapon, reckless driving, felony eluding, and numerous other charges.

At about 4:40 p.m. on Sunday a Lyon County Sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop on the 300 block of Sandia Drive in Fernley, for suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence. As the deputy attempted to have the driver exit his vehicle, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, said the driver refused to comply and fled the scene.

For almost an hour members of law enforcement pursued the fleeing vehicle through Fernley, Interstate 80, Highway 447 and on Pyramid Lake Tribal lands. The incident ended at the intersection of Soaring and Wildwood Streets in Fernley when a Tribal law enforcement vehicle collided with the Williams’ vehicle.

The pursuit involved law enforcement vehicles from the LCSO, the Nevada Highway Patrol and the Pyramid Lake Tribal Police, who became involved after the pursuit crossed into tribal lands. During the incident, the LCSO two law enforcement vehicles were damaged when the suspect intentionally rammed into their cars.

In addition, the suspect hit numerous parked cars and electrical boxes, as well as caused several peripheral accidents that are currently under investigation.

The LCSO also had a report of a weapon discharged by a citizen during the pursuit, which is under investigation.

At this time, the LCSO said the incident is still under investigation due to the large area covered and time it took to subdue Williams. Sheriff’s investigators are asking anyone with any information, or has property damage regarding this case to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office at 775-577-5023 or 775-463-6620.