By Robert Perea
Fernley City Councilman Stan Lau issued a statement on Aug. 20 that stated he acted in self-defense in the incident for which he was arrested on Aug. 18.
Lau was arrested on misdemeanor charges of battery and injury to other’s property as a result of a request for a citizen’s arrest following an altercation with a construction worker. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office said the construction worker told deputies Lau knocked the sunglasses off the worker’s face and broke them, then punched the worker when he bent down to pick up the sunglasses.
Online court records show that an arraignment hearing is scheduled for Sept. 15 in Canal Township Justice Court, but a court clerk said the case won’t be handled by the Canal Township court, but would instead be heard in Walker River Justice Court in Yerington. A Walker River Justice Court clerk said that court hasn’t yet received an order referring the case.
The full text of Lau’s statement reads:
FERNLEY, NV – August 20, 2025 –
On Monday afternoon 64-year-old Fernley City Councilmember Stan Lau, who has faithfully served the City of Fernley for 12 years, was involved in an unfortunate incident at a road construction site near Shadow Lane and U.S. 95 Alternate.
Councilmember Lau was leaving a local gym when he encountered a construction zone blocking traffic without proper traffic control in place. Concerned for public safety and unable to leave safely, he exited his vehicle and asked the crew about the lack of a flagger and requested to speak with a supervisor.
What began as a routine inquiry escalated when several workers responded aggressively. Councilmember Lau was confronted by multiple individuals in close proximity.
To be clear no physical evidence of a punch was found, and Councilmember Lau himself sustained no marks or injuries. Witness accounts confirm that the situation quickly became hostile, with multiple workers verbally antagonizing the Councilmember, surrounding him and escalating the confrontation.
Councilmember Lau maintains that he acted only in self-defense and in the interest of public safety.
Mr. Lau has served the City of Fernley for over a decade, with a strong record of public service and community achievement. He will fully cooperate with authorities and remains committed to transparency with the public.
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