Go to main contentsGo to main menu
Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Man charged with stealing tractor, assaulting witness

Man charged with stealing tractor, assaulting witness

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

A man was arrested Thursday in Silver Springs on charges that he stole a bobcat tractor and then tried to run over a witness in Fernley.

According to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the area north of Singing Waters Road on U.S. 50A in Fernley at about 3:24 p.m. Thursday, where a Fernley resident reported seeing a bobcat tractor that had been stolen from the Nevada Cement quarry.

The resident confronted the suspect, who punched the reporting party multiple times, starting a physical altercation. The suspect fled the area on foot and then returned in a Chevrolet truck. The suspect attempted to run over the reporting party before fleeing southbound on U.S. 50A toward Silver Springs.

Deputies stationed in Silver Springs located the truck and conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of the Nugget Casino a short time later. Deputies identified 37-year old Michael Gettis as the suspect and driver of the Chevrolet.

LCSO said Gettis denied being in an altercation or stealing the bobcat, but physical evidence and the deputies’ investigation suggested otherwise. Deputies arrested Gettis and he was booked into the Lyon County Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, grand larceny of a motor vehicle, battery and petit larceny. His bail was set at $37,280.

Anyone who has information regarding this case is asked to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center at 775-463-6600, regarding case number 23LY00595.


Share
Rate

Comment

Comments

COMMENTS
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 Comment author: Alan Reeder Comment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS! Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PM Comment source: Howard David Jackson