Update: Lyon County deputy shot after alleged carjacking; 1 suspect dies

Nevada Appeal staff report

A Lyon County deputy was hospitalized late Thursday after a shooting in Silver Springs.

The incident occurred around 10 p.m. at a Silver Springs casino after deputies located a vehicle that matched the description of a vehicle involved in an alleged carjacking in Sparks earlier that evening. Sparks police reported at 8:30 p.m. a car had been stolen with what was believed to be four suspects. When deputies approached the vehicle, a suspect allegedly fired at a Lyon County deputy, hitting him in the left hand, according to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office. The deputy was able to return fire. One suspect, Tristan Conti, 19, from Reno, was shot and killed. A second suspect was wounded and taken via CareFlight to Reno. The deputy administered aid, despite his own injuries, to the suspect until EMTs arrived. The suspect is expected to recover. A press release from Lyon County said the man, a juvenile will be transferred to a juvenile justice center upon release.

The other two suspects, both juveniles, were later caught and detained.

“I don’t want to see overreaction in our citizens from this event,” says Sheriff Al McNeil. “I consider this an isolated incident, and should not be seen as a developing threat to our communities. The actions of the deputy involved were of the highest standards and expectations of this agency. All of us at the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office wish him a speedy recovery.” The deputy was taken to the hospital to be treated for the gunshot wound, and he’s expected to recover in about six weeks, according to doctors. The deputy was released Friday morning from the hospital.

The incident started at 8:30 p.m. when Lyon County was notified of a stolen vehicle involving a fire arm by the Sparks police. The Nevada Department of Investigations is handling the investigation of the incident. The investigation is ongoing and in accordance with the Sheriff’s Office policy. The deputy involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative leave pending completion of the investigation.