Why was driver suspected of crashing into 25 sheriff’s recruits suddenly set free?
A driver accused of crashing into 25 sheriff’s recruits and two deputies on Interstate 10 near Reno has been charged with an additional three counts related to the incident.
According to sheriff’s officials, 22-year-old Joshua Jones of Carson City was driving a 2016 Chevrolet Durango on November 29 when he made a left turn in the eastbound lane striking a K-9 unit on the side of the road.
The recruit died instantly and six others – all from the Carson City School District – were injured, including two officers who had to be airlifted to Nevada Medical Center in Carson City.
The recruiter and the deputies were placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation by the Nevada Highway Patrol.
On Wednesday, a second charge of DUI was placed against Jones for failing a field sobriety test.
The suspect has been booked in the Carson County Jail on a $20,000 cash bond. Court records show Jones has several past convictions.
“What we’re trying to do is look at all the witnesses, we’re looking at the investigation that’s been done,” Nevada Highway Patrol Sgt. Andy Moore said Wednesday. “We’re trying to see what evidence we have to show that this particular incident is relevant.”
Sgt. Moore said as the investigation is being conducted into the deaths of the three recruits, a suspect will not be released to the public until that investigation is complete.
“The preliminary investigation is ongoing and will be continuing in the coming days,” he said. “We’ll be working with the Reno Police Department and the Carson City Police Department to help with the search for witnesses and to help with the investigation.”
A Facebook page has been created to remember the three recruits killed in the accident.
“We’ll keep everyone updated on the scene,” Moore said.
If a suspect is released, Moore said, “
