Pair of accused vandals captured after chase

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

Two young men who were suspects in a reported case of vandalism were arrested after a vehicle pursuit Thursday night.

At approximately 10:26 p.m. on Thursday, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the area of Shadow Lane and Hardie Lane in Fernley, Nevada for a report of two suspects spray painting electrical boxes. The reporting party described the suspects as being dressed in black and driving a black Ford Mustang. When deputies arrived, they found fresh graffiti on a residential fence on Hardie Lane. Deputies conducted an investigation, processed the scene and began searching the area for the suspects.

As they were searching the area for suspects, they saw a black Mustang, matching the suspect vehicle description, at the intersection of Hardie Lane and Shadow Lane. Deputies initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and it fled at a high rate of speed. Deputies pursued the vehicle onto Farm District Lane, where the suspect lost control and drove up the canal embankment near Lucas Lane. Deputies apprehended both suspects with the assistance of the Nevada State Police, Highway Patrol.

While processing the vehicle, they deputies said they discovered both suspects were in possession of loaded handguns with obliterated serial numbers. They said they also found open alcohol containers, ski masks and five cans of spray paint in the vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 19-year-old Joseph Contreras. Contreras is being charged with changing/obliterating/altering the serial number of firearm; graffiti; DUI 1st offense; suspended/fictitious registration; driver disobey peace officer traffic; resisting a public officer/arrest; open container of alcohol in vehicle; reckless driving with disregard for persons safety; and no proof of insurance His bail was set at $48,630.

The vehicle’s passenger was identified as 18-year-old Fallon Williams. Williams is being charged with changing/obliterating/altering the serial number of firearm; graffiti and resisting a public officer/arrest. His bail was set at $6,140.