Sheriff: two survive Silver Springs plane crash; arrest made after Wendy—s shooting in Fernley

Chief Deputy Mitch Brandingham of the Lyon County Sheriff—s Office told the Fernley City Council his deputies responded to two significant incidents this week: a small-plane crash near Silver Springs and a shooting-related arrest in the city.

"Everybody was alive," Brandingham said of the plane crash response. He said two people and a dog were aboard the aircraft; the occupants sustained considerable injuries but were expected to survive. The cause is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board; Brandingham told the council weather appeared to be a factor.

Separately, Brandingham described a shooting that began with a Dec. 13 traffic altercation and escalated on Dec. 15 at the Pilot/Wendy—s parking area on Main Street. A vehicle occupant fired two rounds from inside his car while attempting to defend himself after being beaten; deputies later located and arrested a suspect near Town Park. The arrest resulted in felony charges, including battery and child endangerment, because a 2-year-old child was in the vehicle at the time.

"We do a big evaluation to try and determine the lawfulness of the shots fired," Brandingham said. He said the office will forward the case to the district attorney for review to determine whether criminal charges are appropriate for the shooting component.

Brandingham also highlighted community outreach: the Sheriff—s Shop with the Sheriff event at Walmart drew 53 children and included multiple partners and volunteers.

Council members thanked Brandingham and his staff for rapid response times and for their community programs; one resident described calling 911 and praised the crew—s quick arrival.