A California man remained in Lyon County Jail on Monday, held on suspicion of attempted murder for allegedly ramming three police vehicles during a chase through Fernley this past weekend.
David T. Alvis, 49, who lists a Merced address on his California license, is being held without bail on felony attempted murder on a peace officer, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, two counts of battery on a peace officer, resisting a public officer with a deadly weapon, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, eluding arrest, being under the influence of a controlled substance, misdemeanor reckless driving, having an open container of alcohol in vehicle, driving without a valid driver's license, failure to drive within marked lanes, hit and run, driving on the wrong side of road, improper turn on a highway and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to Nevada Highway Patrol Sgt. Patty Kinard, a caller reported a vehicle eastbound in the westbound lanes of Highway 80 about three miles west of Fernley at 2:50 p.m. Saturday.
Kinard said troopers in the westbound lanes were able to catch up with the 1991 Ford Bronco driven by Alvis, but were unable to get him to stop. When a trooper threw out a spike strip, Alvis took Exit 46 to Fernley into the Pilot Truck Stop.
"Two units also went in and this is where he rammed the first patrol unit in the driver's door. When he backed up, he backed into another patrol car," said Kinard. "At that point he is getting ready to exit the truck stop and get on to Main Street in Fernley when he rams into a Lyon County patrol car blocking his exit, then once again, backs up into patrol units."
Kinard said a Lyon County deputy fired two shotgun rounds in the left rear tire, but Alvis continued driving. He allegedly attempted to strike two more patrol cars and was intentionally driving into oncoming traffic, trying to strike civilian vehicles as well, she said.
"The general public did an excellent job of paying attention to what was going on and getting out of his way. This guy was intentionally trying to ram some of these people," she said.
Kinard said the chase ended about 3:15 p.m. when Alvis wrecked his truck.
"One of the patrol units was attempting to come up on his left side, to try and keep him from getting into oncoming traffic, and he strikes that patrol unit, loses control of his vehicle and rolls out into the desert," she said.
Alvis suffered minor injuries. No officers were injured.
Kinard said Alvis refused to talk and didn't give a reason for his behavior.
n Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.
