Trial pushed back for a Reno man accused of driving truck through a crowd at rally

RENO — A trial has been pushed back until March 1 for an 18-year-old Reno man accused of driving his truck through a crowd of people who were rallying for Native American rights under the city’s famous arch on Columbus Day.

Nicholas Mahaffey has been charged with provoking an assault after plowing through the group of protesters in a pickup truck and seriously injuring 59-year-old Kitty Colbert.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reported that Mahaffey waived his right to a trial within 60 days during a brief appearance Tuesday in Reno Justice Court. He pleaded not guilty last month.

Two of the protesters, 24-year-old James Fletcher and 21-year-old Samuel Harry also face misdemeanor simple battery charges for allegedly punching Mahaffey and his 17-year-old passenger.

The American Indiana Movement organized the rally in the downtown casino district.