Fernley man sentenced for assault on deputies

A Fernley man was sentenced last week to the Nevada State Prison for crimes committed against a police officer.

Lyon County District Attorney Stephen B. Rye said in a media release Jeremy Lloyd Random, 39, received a 28-72 month sentence for eluding a police officer, assault of a police officer and assault with a deadly weapon. The proceedings took place in the Third Judicial District Court in Yerington.

Random pleaded guilty to the charges on Dec. 16, 2016, according to Rye. Random had asked for probation, but the court denied it based on the facets and circumstances of the charges, Rye said.

“We are pleased with the lengthy prison sentence handed down by the court in this case,” Rye said in his release. “This will keep Mr. Random off the streets thereby protecting the public, and will also allow Mr. Random time to get the help he needs to deal with his substance abuse and other issues.”

Lyon County sheriff deputies arrested Random on Aug. 9, 2016, after he led officers on a high-speed chase in Fernley. Rye said Random drove the wrong way on Interstate 80 traveling westbound in the eastbound lane with his lights off and swerving toward other vehicles. Deputies then rammed Random’s vehicle to stop him, but they were unsuccessful.

Rye said Random then headed to a truck stop where deputies rammed a patrol car into his vehicle. Once stopped Random ignored the commands of deputies and grabbed a rifle. Random then started his vehicle and tried to ram the deputies with his vehicle. Rye said officers shot at Random in an effort to stop him.

Paramedics transported Random to the Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno for medical treatment. Rye said Random, who was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time he committed his crime spree, was later booked in the Lyon County Jail.

“It is fortunate no one else was seriously injured or killed in this case,” Rye said in his statement. “Mr. Random showed a total disregard for the public and the officers involved in this case.

Officers risk their lives to protect the public. Acts like this from Mr. Random cannot be tolerated in our society. Mr. Random is fortunate that he was not killed in this situation based upon the threats to the public and officers and his wanton and reckless conduct.”

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Highway Patrol and Nevada Division of Investigations investigated the case.