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Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 7:08 PM

Additional charges filed in Derby Dam officer involved shooting case

Additional charges filed in Derby Dam officer involved shooting case

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has filed additional charges against the man shot by Sparks police early May 5 near Derby Dam, following a pursuit from Sparks.

Joseph Patrick Williams now faces one felony charge of being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm, and two felony charges of assault on a peace officer. Separate, and apart from the officer involved shooting investigation, Williams is charged with 10 separate counts of violating an extended protection order for domestic violence.

At one point during the vehicle pursuit which started near the 1600 block of Victorian Avenue in Sparks and ended on Interstate-80 near mile marker 41, officers pursuing Williams reported hearing a noise that may have been gunfire, prompting officers to proceed with caution.

WCSO said Monday that a search warrant was served on Williams’ truck and a handgun was found inside.

In addition, WCSO charges that Williams placed officers in fear of immediate bodily harm by using his truck to ram officer vehicles while attempting to escape.

Williams was originally charged with a felony charge of a driver disobeying a peace officer and endangering others. He was being held on $10,000 bail. With the new charges, a $10,000 bond has been added for the domestic violence counts, and a $250,000 bail has been added with the new charges.

Williams is scheduled to appear in court May 20.


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Comment author: Christopher Walsh Comment text: Could you look into the strong recurring smell around Fernley? It smells like sewage and it can be bad enough that people don’t want to be outside or open their windows. It would be helpful to get an investigative journalist help the Fernley residents get a clear answer from the City, NDEP, and any involved facilities. I was really disappointed that the smell was not disclosed by my realtor when I moved here. I enjoy Fernley and am seeing the improvements that are being made. With Appreciation Comment publication date: 9/12/26, 2:49 PM Comment source: Sewage spill near City of Fernley Municipal Well 9 Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry Comment author: R Conley Comment text: Is the deputy receiving any additional training or reinforcing prior training? Comment publication date: 9/5/26, 10:08 AM Comment source: Inmate escapes from Fernley substation Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster Comment author: Sheena Nash Comment text: After the trivia night is over, I would love for you to print the questions. I grew up in Fernley and would be interested to see how many answers I know. The coin is beautiful. Congrats on 25 years as a city! Comment publication date: 6/22/26, 1:38 PM Comment source: City of Fernley planning 25th anniversary celebration with three days of community events C Comment author: Carl C. Hagen Comment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion. Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AM Comment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-ramp