The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is investigating an incident late Saturday in which a 17-year-old Gardnerville resident was shot in the arm on Pine Nut Road near the Douglas County Fairgrounds.
The shooting reportedly took place after a quinceñeara, or 15th birthday party celebration at the fairgrounds.
Originally, officers believed the victim was shot at the fairgrounds, but it was determined the shooting took place on Pine Nut Road.
Sheriff's Capt. Steve Orr said the victim was uncooperative and officers were seeking information about the incident.
Deputies found out about the incident when they were called to Carson Valley Medical Center at 2:10 a.m. Sunday.
The victim reportedly told deputies about a dozen suspects, whom he described as Carson City gang members, tried to pick a fight with him.
He said he and an acquaintance drove off and the suspects followed in another vehicle opening fire on the victim's automobile, striking him in the arm.
Rather than seek medical attention, the victim tried to remove a bullet from his arm with a pocket knife.
According to the sheriff's office, the teen thought he had been hit twice, but the second wound was an exit wound and there was no bullet.
Following the unsuccessful procedure, he went to the medical center where personnel called the sheriff's office.
Deputies located the victim's vehicle and found four bullet holes in the driver's side front and rear doors.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Investigator Phil Lesquereux at 782-9905 or call Secret Witness, 782-7463.
