Suspect dies, deputy injured after Douglas County shooting

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. – One man died and a deputy from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) was injured in an early morning shooting in the Gardnerville Ranchos.

On November 7, 2024, deputies from DCSO responded to the 1200 block of Pit Road in the Gardnerville Ranchos for a report of domestic assault involving a firearm. The caller informed Douglas County Emergency Communications that her son, identified as John Brown, had allegedly assaulted her with a handgun and then fled on foot. The caller further advised that Brown was attempting to steal a vehicle from an uninvolved individual on Pit Road. An additional individual appeared to be accompanying Brown.

Brown was unsuccessful in taking the vehicle, and both he and the additional individual fled on foot toward Tillman Lane.

DCSO deputies continued searching the area for both suspects, utilizing drones and K-9s.

Then at 1:52 a.m. on Friday, November 8, deputies located an individual, later confirmed to be Brown, sitting in a vehicle on Short Court. Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies observed an apparent handgun on Brown’s lap.

Deputies ordered Brown to exit the vehicle. At that point, it was reported that Brown pointed the gun at deputies, prompting them to open fire, and Brown was struck multiple times. One deputy sustained an injury to his hand and was transported to Renown Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Brown was pronounced dead shortly after the shooting. The additional individual with Brown was identified as a 16-year-old male juvenile, who was arrested on charges of robbery and booked into the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Center.

The shooting, attempted armed vehicle theft, and assault are being investigated by the Carson City Sheriff’s Office and the Nevada State Police. All deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending a review by the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office.