Suspect dies after pursuit in Lyon County

A suspect is dead after crashing his vehicle after a lengthy pursuit involving the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and Nevada State Police on Sunday.

The chase ensued after deputies received a report of an erratic driver who appeared intoxicated. The male was seen purchasing alcohol, according to a news release.

The Nevada State Police located the suspect vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The suspect fled, and a pursuit was initiated. Lyon County Sheriff’s deputies joined and took lead on the pursuit a short time later.

Deputies reported observing the suspect vehicle collide with multiple vehicles in the Fernley area and nearly strike numerous others. The suspect was driving over 100 mph in light traffic.

Deputies attempted to use various tactics to slow the suspect vehicle or end the pursuit, to no avail. During the pursuit the suspect, on multiple times, rammed a deputy’s patrol vehicle and attempted to cause several other collisions. Eventually, the suspect was successful in causing a collision between his vehicle and a patrol vehicle, which was captured on a Ring doorbell camera.

The suspect was able escape the area and the chase continued eastbound on Newlands Drive near Nevada Pacific Boulevard.

The pavement turned to dirt, and the suspect continued. Deputies identified the danger and backed off the pursuit, continuing from a safer distance in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

A short time later, deputies observed the suspect vehicle fish tailing and roll into a cloud of dust. Deputies removed the suspect from the flaming vehicle. The suspect was carried away from the area by deputies, who performed lifesaving efforts.

North Lyon County Fire Department personnel arrived and took over lifesaving efforts. They also worked to extinguish the fire and were able to prevent the fire from spreading.

The suspect died at the scene. He was the lone occupant of the vehicle. The suspect’s identity was not released.

One Lyon County Sheriff’s deputy was evaluated for minor injuries. Another deputy was evaluated for bio-hazard contamination stemming from his actions in removing the suspect from the flaming vehicle.

The Nevada State Police were requested to conduct an investigation into the incident. The Storey County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the coroner investigation into the suspect’s death.

If you have information regarding this incident, damage to your personal property or you witnessed something in the area you think may be pertinent to this incident, contact the Nevada State Police or the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center at 775-463-6620.