On a remote stretch of southbound U.S. 395 near the Nevada state line, a roadside confrontation turned deadly last Saturday morning, leaving two people dead and shutting the highway for hours, authorities said. The incident unfolded near the Long Valley agricultural inspection station just west of the state line, forcing traffic onto a detour along Red Rock Road.
The California Highway Patrol says the situation began at about 8:50 a.m. last Saturday, when two vehicles, each carrying multiple people, pulled onto the right shoulder and a confrontation broke out, according to a CHP news release republished by Sierra Daily News. A CHP officer from the Portola Resident Post happened to be patrolling nearby and pulled up just as gunfire erupted. The officer detained everyone involved and began life-saving measures, but two people were pronounced dead at the scene despite those efforts, KOLO TV reports.
Authorities say everyone involved has been identified and that there is no ongoing threat to public safety. Southbound U.S. 395 stayed closed while investigators documented the scene, with traffic detoured onto Red Rock Road, as per Carson Now.
Investigation And Safety Updates
CHP is asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Quincy office at 530-283-1100. Questions about the deceased can be directed to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office at 775-785-6144, per the CHP release shared by local outlets and republished by Sierra Daily News.
What Investigators Say
Officials have not released the names of those killed or said whether criminal charges will follow. The initial wave of coverage, including reporting by ABC10, places the scene about 20 miles northwest of Reno. Investigators say they expect to release more details as the probe continues.
Multiple agencies helped secure the scene and manage the highway closure. Authorities say the area is now safe for drivers. The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released when available.
