NHP Trooper shot and wounded by suspect

The trooper, whose identify was not released pending the notification of relatives, underwent surgery in Washoe Medical Center late Wednesday night to remove a bullet from his leg, said Reno Police Lt. Bill Bowen.

The injury was not considered life-threatening and the trooper was conscious upon arrival at the hospital, authorities said.

Bowen said the trooper, riding an NHP motorcycle, attempted to stop a red Nissan Pulsar in the vicinity of Sixth Street and Evans at about 7:25 p.m. Wednesday for a traffic violation but the vehicle ignored his lights.

When the Nissan did stop, the trooper, a 14-year NHP veteran, was climbing off the motorcycle when the suspect jumped out of the car and opened fire, Bowen said.

At least four rounds were fired, with one striking the trooper in the lower leg. The trooper returned fire but the suspect drove off while the officer radioed for help, Bowen said.

Bowen said several people in the area witnessed the incident. Less than two hours later, police found the Nissan abandoned in the area of Mill Street, west of Washoe Medical Center. The street was closed while numerous police units cruised the neighborhoods and searched back alleys.

It was the first time an NHP trooper was shot in the line of duty in northern Nevada since Carlos Borland was killed during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Lovelock in 1993.

Michael Sonner, a North Carolina jail escapee, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. He remains on death row in Ely State Prison.

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