Ensign’s nephew pleads guilty to battery counts

A nephew of U.S. Sen. John Ensign's pleaded guilty to two counts of misdemeanor battery on Friday and wasn't sent to prison on allegations that he tried to run over two medical responders with his vehicle in November.

Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Joe Bonaventure Jr. ordered Eric Ensign to attend DUI counseling and a victim impact session, pay $400 and complete 50 hours of community service, which he did.

"The court's main concern at this time is that you just treat this very seriously and above all stay out of trouble," Bonaventure said.

Ensign also faces a charge of driving under the influence in the city of Las Vegas.

Ensign and his attorney declined to comment after Friday morning's hearing.

Police booked Ensign into the county jail in November on charges of attempted murder but the district attorney didn't approve the charges, Deputy District Attorney Shanon Clowers said.

The district attorney's office charged Ensign, in his early 20s, with one count of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of battery with a deadly weapon, among other charges.

Police said Ensign was found slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle on Nov. 9 at the intersection of Buffalo Drive and Washington Avenue.

Ensign tried to run over two of the responders when they tried to check on him and rammed his car into a Las Vegas Fire Department vehicle, police said. Ensign also fought with medical responders outside his car, police said.