New details on tribal officer’s death released

NIXON, Nev. (KOLO) - Update on Aug. 28: The Medical Examiner’s Office says Francone was declared dead at the scene. The cause and manner of his death are pending investigation.

The Medical Examiner’s Office also identified the suspect who struck Francone with his car as 33-year-old Nolan Ray. His cause and manner of death is also pending investigation.

AUG. 26 9:30 A.M. UPDATE: A Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Police Department officer died Friday after being struck by a vehicle driven by a suspect.

The suspect also died after being shot by law enforcement.

Police officer Anthony Francone died in the incident at the south end of Pyramid Lake on the highway from Nixon to Sutcliffe.

The Eureka County Sheriff’s Office identified Francone as the deceased and said in a Facebook post he worked as a deputy in Eureka and Crescent Valley for several years.

Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Chairman James Phoenix also announced the death in a statement on Twitter.

“The PLPT PD and Rangers will still stand tall and be on duty today. The investigation is still ongoing,” Phoenix said. “Prayers to family, friends, and everyone who knew him.”

The FBI released this statement early Saturday:

“The FBI is assisting multiple law enforcement agencies related to an officer involved shooting which has unfortunately resulted in the death of two people including one law enforcement officer. At this time we are unable to provide additional information, or the name of the victims pending proper notification of family members. There is no danger to anyone in the community at this time.”

8:50 P.M. UPDATE: A Pyramid Lake Tribal Police officer was injured Friday after being struck by a vehicle, a tribal official said.

The suspect in the case has been shot, Pyramid Lake Emergency Services Chief Don Pelt said.

Authorities have not released information about the condition of the officer or the suspect.

Nevada 446 between Nixon and Sutcliffe will be closed into Saturday, Pelt said.

ORIGNAL STORY: There is a large law enforcement presence on Nevada 446 at the south end of Pyramid Lake.

KOLO 8 News Now has not been able to verify what has happened.

It happened about 7:30 p.m. on the road from Nixon to Sutcliffe near Nixon. Nevada 446 is closed.

SR 446 (Pyramid Lake Route to and from Nixon) will remain closed. SR 447 is open - junction SR 447/446 (by Nixon store) is *closed*. All traffic on SR 446 is being rerouted back to Reno.
— Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe (@plpt) August 26, 2023