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Monday, May 18, 2026 at 2:40 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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C Comment author: Carl C. HagenComment 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 AMComment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-rampComment author: Alan ReederComment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS!Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: Jack & Nancy CookComment text: Wonderful man. Created a precious family with Linda. Will always respect and admire his contribution to teaching at FHS.Comment publication date: 4/18/26, 10:27 AMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: JeffDickersonComment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied.Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AMComment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion caseComment author: Todd fossumComment text: Hi my name is todd fossum i'm clarence's stepson, I was wondering if he had any siblings. I think he said he had a sister that just survived cancer. If she can get ahold of me or any buddy, my number is 916. 3 4 3 1 1 7 7.Thank you have a blessed dayComment publication date: 1/16/26, 4:33 PMComment source: Clarence L Shields C Comment author: Carl HagenComment text: So just curious, what is the point of a franchise agreement if it is not exclusive?Comment publication date: 12/15/25, 4:18 PMComment source: Council approves non-exclusive franchise agreement for waste collection
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