A police shooting that occurred in Elko in 2024 has been deemed legally justified, according to findings released by the Elko County District Attorney’s Office and multiple investigative agencies.
According to the Elko Police Department, in an online Facebook post, the shooting happened after an Elko Police Officer responded to what was determined to be a domestic violence incident on January 24, 2024.
The officer reported hearing a woman being struck.
When the officer attempted to intervene, the suspect, identified as James Ryan, forcefully pushed the woman from a car and tried to drive off, nearly hitting the officer. This initiated a pursuit.
During the encounter, Ryan brandished a rifle and pointed it at officers.
Due to concerns for public safety, the Elko Police Department SWAT Team and the Elko Crisis Negotiation Team were called in.
After several hours of attempted negotiations, Ryan got out of the car with a rifle and pointed it at members of the SWAT Team. Officers shot and killed him in response.
As per standard procedure, the officers involved were placed on administrative leave while a full investigation was conducted.
The Washoe County Regional Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation Team led a preliminary criminal investigation and concluded there was no evidence of criminal wrongdoing by the officers.
An Internal Affairs review conducted by the Elko Police Department also determined that the officers acted in line with department policy and their training.
The Elko County District Attorney’s Office reviewed all findings and concluded that the use of deadly force was legally justified, with no criminal charges being filed.
(The Elko County Police Department contributed to this story.)
