NEVADA – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) announced the arrest of two suspects involved in a carjacking incident and linked to a homicide in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The incident took place at approximately 6:27 a.m. on May 30 at the Smith’s Food and Drug gas station in Gardnerville.

According to DCSO, the suspects attempted to carjack a vehicle that was being fueled at the gas station. One of the suspects was reportedly brandishing a firearm during the incident. However, their attempt to start the vehicle was unsuccessful, and they fled the scene on foot.

The suspects have been identified as 30-year-old Derek Melendez from Wadsworth and 40-year-old Niquoia Lundy from Markleeville, California. Both individuals were located and apprehended by DCSO deputies in a neighborhood east of the Smith’s gas station.

During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that Melendez and Lundy were also linked to a homicide that occurred earlier that morning in the Dresslerville Colony of the Washoe Tribe. DCSO is collaborating with the Washoe Tribal Police and the FBI in connection with this ongoing investigation.

Following their arrest, both Melendez and Lundy were booked into the Douglas County Jail. The charges against Melendez include robbery, battery with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm while intoxicated, and conspiracy. His bail has been set at $125,655. Lundy faces charges of robbery, battery with a deadly weapon, and conspiracy, with bail set at $125,015.

The DCSO continues to work diligently alongside the Washoe Tribal Police and the FBI to gather further details regarding these cases.

Credits: KOLOTV

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