Details released on fatal Douglas County chase and crash

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - A 43-year-old man, John David Schulze, has been identified as the man who died in Tuesday's pursuit and crash in Douglas County.

On November 16, 2021, at 4:45 p.m., a Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy was involved in a vehicular pursuit in the Gardnerville Ranchos. The suspect fleeing from the deputy was Blake Edward Thacker, a 31-year-old male who was wanted by the State of Oregon for a felony parole violation.

During the pursuit, Thacker’s vehicle rounded a corner at a high rate of speed and rolled over. His car landed on its wheels and he continued to flee from the deputy.

At the intersection of Tillman Lane and Patricia Drive, Thacker’s vehicle struck another vehicle driven by a 19-year-old female. His vehicle then rolled over numerous times and Schulze, his passenger, was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene.

The 19-year-old was transported to Carson Valley Medical Center with unspecified injuries though her family has posted on social media she'll be okay. She is a nursing student whose vehicle is now totaled.

Thacker was transported via helicopter to Renown Medical Center in Reno with unspecified injuries.

According to Douglas County, Thacker has an extensive criminal history. He is currently being held on the Oregon felony parole violation and will be facing numerous felony charges in Douglas County for the pursuit, the crash with injuries, and the death.

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office and the Nevada Highway Patrol are conducting the investigation.