Bail $15,500 for driver in standoff

Staff Reports

Bail was set at $15,500 for a Clearlake, Calif., man jailed on allegations of a fourth drunk driving offense after deputies pulled him out of his van following an hour-long standoff Thursday that shut down Highway 395 at Sharkey's.

John Theodore Hansen, 54, was arrested about 6:30 p.m. after deputies broke the passenger side window of the suspect's van when he refused to unlock the doors.

Two officers pulled him out of the driver's seat, handcuffed Hansen and transported him to jail.

The event began about 4:30 p.m. when a motorist reported a reckless driver at Mica and Highway 395 in north Douglas County. According to the caller, the driver was weaving in traffic and gesturing at other drivers.

After turning out at the Raley's shopping center in Gardnerville and heading north on 395, deputies said the driver, identified as Hansen, turned left at Gilman and pulled in the rear Sharkey's paved parking lot, ignoring all commands to stop.

Finally, the driver stopped the van in the gutter partially sticking out on Highway 395.

The driver rolled the window down an inch, but refused to unlock the doors.

According to reports, he kept shouting he was a disabled Marine Corps veteran. One deputy said he appeared to be "on an emotional rollercoaster."

Officers talked with the suspect for an hour before deciding to break the window and remove the suspect.

A dozen officers and the Nevada Highway Patrol responded to the incident.

A criminal check revealed that Hansen had three prior convictions for driving under the influence in Washington dating from 2005.

He was charged with DUI fourth and resisting arrest.