Suspect identified in slaying of Carson City Sheriff’s Deputy

CARSON CITY — The man who killed Carson City Sheriff's deputy Carl Howell early Saturday has been identified by the Reno Police Department as Jonathon Pope, 30, who died at the scene of the domestic violence incident.

According to Reno police, who are investigating Carson City's first law enforcement officer death in decades, Carson City deputies responded to the report of a physical domestic disturbance between a male and female in the 4100 block of Montez Drive in East Carson City.

As deputies arrived at the scene, they met with the woman who had visible injuries as a result of a fight. While investigating the incident, Howell attempted to meet with Pope, who was aware deputies had been called.

As Howell approached the door to the residence, Pope appeared armed with a firearm. Pope and Howell exchanged gunfire, resulting in both men being struck. Pope was pronounced dead at the scene. Howell was transported to Carson Tahoe Hospital where he died from his injuries.

Howell was a nine year veteran of the Carson City Sheriff's Office having started serving his community on March 17, 2006. Howell leaves behind a wife and 4 young children.

The Reno Police Department's Robbery Homicide Division is investigating this incident, and is working closely with Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong, the Nevada Division of Investigation, and the Washoe County Sheriff's Department Crime Lab in this case.

On Saturday evening, hundreds of Carson City residents gathered at the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on the Capitol grounds to honor Howell. His family also attended the brief but moving vigil.

It was the first death of a Carson City police officer in the line of duty by an attacker since 1867.

At the vigil, Furlong said he recalled the day in 2006 when Howell came into the department and said he wanted to help. The officer told Furlong: "I know it is a risk. It is a risk I take freely."

Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell said in a statement that the flags at City Hall and other facilities have been set to half-staff in honor of the fallen officer. The city has also put into motion a crisis response team to help all those involved and provide financial help to the officer's family.

"The heart of our community goes out to the family of the slain officer who was killed in the line of duty earlier this morning," he said. "It is a reminder of the dangers that our first responders go through each and every day while keeping us safe."

Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900. Find him on Twitter: @seanw801.