Northern Nevada Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Assault on Tribal Police Officer

RENO, Nevada – A Northern Nevada man has been sentenced to more than five years in prison for assaulting a Tribal Police Officer on the Walker River Indian Reservation.

36-year-old Gelasio Johnson Guerrero received a 63-month prison term, followed by three years of supervised release, after being convicted of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon within Indian Country.

The sentencing came on Tuesday, December 20, before U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks. The Justice Department reported that a jury found Guerrero guilty in September 2023, following an incident in July 2022.

Court documents detail that Guerrero assaulted the Tribal Police Officer with a firearm and a metal object while on the reservation. The officer sustained a gunshot wound to the leg as a result of the attack.

“This sentence sends a clear message that violence against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated,” stated U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “We are committed to working with our tribal partners to ensure the safety of our communities.”

Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI in Nevada echoed this sentiment, saying, “The FBI is proud to partner with the Walker River Tribal Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold accountable those who commit such heinous crimes against law enforcement officers.”

The Walker River Tribal Police Department expressed gratitude for the swift action and collaboration of the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “We are grateful for the justice served in this case,” said a spokesperson for the department. “This sentence hopefully serves as a deterrent for anyone considering harming our officers or the communities we serve.”

This case highlights the importance of protecting law enforcement officers and ensuring the safety of all communities, especially those on tribal lands. The collaborative effort between the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Walker River Tribal Police Department demonstrates a commitment to upholding justice and protecting those who risk their lives to keep others safe.

Credits: 2News