Man admits ramming deputies with van

A Californian, who attempted to force a deputy into oncoming traffic during an Oct. 26, 2022, pursuit, admitted felony charges of failure to stop a motor vehicle endangering life and battery with a deadly weapon on an officer.

Tyler Michael Vincent Smith, 38, faces up to 26 years in prison on the two charges, though prosecutors will recommend a sentence of not more than 2-8 years in prison. Smith may ask for probation.

According to court documents, Smith was speeding on Highway 50 in a passenger van near Skyland when he was pulled over. When the deputy asked Smith to pull all the way off the highway, Smith took off, swerving into oncoming traffic. At one point, Smith slammed on his brakes and swerved to push the deputy into oncoming traffic.

The van was finally pinned against the wall and deputies arrested him at gunpoint.

Attorney Matthew Ence asked for a March 28 sentencing date, so he had time to get a mental health evaluation for Smith.

• A 65-year-old Gardnerville woman is facing mandatory prison after she admitted to one count of driving under the influence with a prior felony.

Monica Claire Hansen entered the plea on Tuesday in Douglas County District Court.

Under an agreement, prosecutors will recommend a sentence of 2-5 years in prison and the mandatory minimum $2,000 fine.

The maximum sentence is 6-15 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

According to court documents, Hansen was arrested July 15, 2022, with a .135 blood alcohol content.

She stipulated that she was arrested for a prior felony DUI on July 31, 2006, and convicted on Oct. 9, 2006.

Under Nevada law, any conviction for driving under the influence after a felony DUI is subject to a harsher sentence.

She is scheduled to appear for sentencing on April 4.

• A retired California Sheriff’s deputy said he didn’t realize he wasn’t allowed to have a blackjack in Nevada.

David James Johnson, 66, admitted to a gross misdemeanor charge of possession of a dangerous weapon and was sentenced to one day in jail.

Johnson had already admitted a battery charge in East Fork Justice Court, attorney Maria Pence said, and was sentenced to a suspended 15-day jail term.

Pence said that on Sept. 10, 2022, Johnson and his wife were returning home in separate vehicles when another car sped past them. Johnson followed the driver and had the weapon in his hand when he approached the driver, who said Johnson struck him with it.

Nevada law does permit retired Nevada peace officers to carry a sap, but not Californians, Pence said.

“This is such foolish behavior,” District Judge Tod Young said. “You could have been shot.”