Gardnerville Ranchos man critical after shooting

A 41-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos man listed in critical condition at Renown Regional Medical Center after an early Saturday morning shooting on Wheeler Way has been identified as Eric Cooper.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has determined that Cooper was shot by his stepson, identified as 24-year-old Clayton Clark, at 1318 Wheeler Way in the Gardnerville Ranchos, where both are residents.

The investigation showed that Clark shot Cooper to end a violent assault against his mother by Cooper. The victim of the assault, who is not being identified at this time, is married to Cooper.

The incident was reported to Douglas County dispatchers at 3:28 a.m. as a domestic battery, and while deputies were on their way to the address, they were told that shots had been fired.

Upon their arrival, deputies learned that Clark had intervened in what was described as a physical altercation between his mother and his stepfather, according to Undersheriff Paul Howell.

Clark and Cooper then began to fight, and at some point, the stepson shot the older man.

The investigation has established that the shooting occurred in self-defense, so Clark has not been charged with a crime.

The completed reports will be forwarded to the district attorney for a review of the self-defense finding and a request that Cooper be charged with domestic battery and simple battery.

Cooper remains in the hospital and is expected to recover from his wounds.