A bench warrant was issued this week for a former Carson City apartment manager who failed to appear for sentencing on a charge connected to a shooting in August.
Jose Luis Diaz, 32, was to be sentenced Monday for taking a cell phone from a tenant whom he allegedly thought was recording him bullying other tenants into not talking to police concerning the Aug. 14 shooting.
According to the Carson City Sheriff's Department, rival gangs exchanged gunfire at the complex at Lompa Lane and Menlo Drive. No one was injured. But several people were seen fleeing into Diaz's apartment.
A number of people were arrested that morning, including Diaz.
Upon his release from jail he allegedly began harassing tenants at the complex where he had been the manager, telling them to not snitch. He then grabbed a cell phone from one, breaking it.
He pleaded guilty to the charge and was to be sentenced before Judge Todd Russell on Monday, but Diaz failed to appear. A no-bail bench warrant was issued for his arrest.
Also in Carson City District Court this week:
• Marina Karine Lockhardt, 33, is expected to plead guilty to misdemeanor domestic battery. The case was sent back to justice court. Lockhardt stands accused of trying to run down her boyfriend after a dispute over cigarettes.
• Joshua Uhlmeyer, 29, pleaded guilty to destruction of property and must successfully complete mental health court in order for the charge to be dismissed.
• Nicholas Randy Watts, 19, was sentenced to six months of boot camp on a charge of attempted burglary. If he successfully completes boot camp the judge is inclined to give him probation.
• James Kepler, 27, must successfully complete drug court on possession of a controlled substance. If he does the charge will be dismissed.
• Steven Lehrbaum, 30, was sent to Western Regional DUI Court Program on charges of felony possession of a controlled substance and third-offense drunken driving. If he successfully completes the program the possession charge will be dismissed and the DUI charge will be reduced to misdemeanor second-offense. Lehrbaum also received probation on a charge of possession burglary tools.
• Stephen Ray Wheeler, 56, pleaded guilty to felony drunken driving. He also is awaiting sentencing on a separate felony DUI charge. He has previously served time in prison for DUI. He face two to 15 years on each count when sentenced in March.
• Ryan Michael Ipsen, 23, received diversion with Western Regional DUI Court on a charge of third-offense DUI. If successfully completed, the charge will be reduced to second-offense DUI.
