Charge Dropped Against Douglas Judge in Fatal Accident

MINDEN, Nev. (AP) - A criminal charge has been dismissed against Douglas County District Judge Michael Gibbons in connection with an August accident that killed a bicyclist.

Attorneys say the vehicular homicide charge was dropped in a civil compromise because the family of victim Joseph Longo of Gardnerville didn't want the judge prosecuted.

Gardnerville's Record-Courier reports an order approving the agreement was signed Wednesday by a justice of the peace at the request of an attorney representing Longo's daughter, Kaitlyn Vander Laan.

A criminal complaint filed last month alleged Gibbons failed to exercise due care when passing the 61-year-old bicyclist near Gardnerville.

The Nevada Highway Patrol says the judge was making a right turn when the rear of his vehicle struck the bike. Longo was not wearing a helmet.

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