Douglas County commissioner altercation referred to Carson City DA

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - An investigation into the altercation that occurred between two Douglas County commissioners during their meeting on May 16 has been moved over to the Carson City District Attorney's Office due to a possible conflict of interest.

During that meeting, Commissioner Chairman Barry Penzel and Commissioner John Engels were involved in an altercation after a break in the meeting that allegedly involved shoving and a cut to one of the two men. Penzel returned to the meeting after a break of over one hour, Engels did not.

Prior to the altercation, the commissioners were making personal attacks between each other, and to members of the public.

The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office received and reviewed the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office incident report and statements related to the altercation that occurred during the recess. Two civil deputies in the employ of the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office were present at the board meeting and were witnesses to statements made by both involved commissioners immediately following the incident. As such, the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office has a conflict in proceeding any further on this matter.

The next commissioner meeting is scheduled for June 6 in Minden, Nev.