Suspect in two deaths dies after Northern Nevada shootout

RENO — A suspect in the deaths of two people near Reno died after exchanging gunfire with law officers following a high-speed chase, authorities said.

Officers were called to a home Friday night in New Washoe City on a call of shots fired, and discovered the bodies of two females and an injured male inside, said Washoe County sheriff’s Lt. Tom Green.

Officers determined a vehicle was missing from the residence about 15 miles south of Reno, and the chase began a little more than an hour later after it was spotted in nearby Carson City.

The suspect drove about 90 miles on U.S. Highway 50 to the Sand Mountain Recreation Area at speeds of up to 100 mph, authorities said.

The suspect died there after exchanging gunfire with officers. No officers were hurt.

Carson City Sheriff Kenny Furlong said he was convinced the suspect was not familiar with the recreation area some 85 miles east of Reno. The area’s sand dunes are popular among off-highway vehicle users.

“When he entered the Sand Mountain Recreation Area, it was pretty clear he wasn’t coming out,” Furlong told KOLO-TV of Reno. “The terrain is just too difficult.”

The names of the suspect and victims were not immediately released.

The male victim was taken to a Reno hospital, but his condition was not disclosed.

On Saturday morning, the ranch house next to Washoe Lake State Park where the two dead females were found was taped off and guarded by sheriff’s deputies, the Reno Gazette-Journal reported.

Investigators said they were searching for leads and trying to determine the suspect’s motive.