Sheriff's office flags safety, permitting issues at Renegade Races; board to meet with Pioche Chamber

Lincoln County law enforcement reported multiple arrests and safety incidents over the Labor Day weekend and urged tighter event controls for the Renegade Races.

Undersheriff Darrin Woodworth told the Board the department made six arrests over the weekend, conducted nine field-sobriety tests, completed one mental-health transport, responded to a box-truck rollover and logged 97 traffic stops between Friday and the prior day. Lt. Dathan Lewis focused on the Renegade Races, saying spectators were injured and a county truck was damaged.

Lewis told commissioners the races had permit conflicts — two permits existed for different events — and said Renegade Races itself did not have the necessary permit to close public roads. He recommended that, to continue lawfully and safely, the races must be properly permitted and implement physical barriers ("these could be as simple as bales of hay," he said). The Board agreed to meet with the Pioche Chamber of Commerce to coordinate permitting and safety measures; sheriff’s staff said they want the event to continue but with better planning.

No formal action was taken at the meeting; the Board directed staff to schedule the meeting with the Pioche Chamber.