Minden, NV – On Friday, August 16, 2024, at approximately 12:36 a.m., the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) was asked by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to be on the lookout for a black Mercedes GLC SUV believed to be travelling north on U.S. 395. CHP advised the vehicle and its occupant(s) were suspect(s) in an armed robbery in Lancaster, CA on August 15, 2024 and considered armed and dangerous. The vehicle was located by CHP in Walker Canyon, CA. CHP and Mono County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop the vehicle, which refused to stop and a pursuit of the vehicle began reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph, which continued into Douglas County crossing the Nevada state line at Topaz Lake. DCSO deputies deployed spike strips on U.S. 395 near Pine Valley Road and successfully spiked all four tires. The vehicle continued south on Hwy 395, failing to yield. DCSO deputies then deployed the Grappler Police Bumper System and stopped the vehicle on U.S. 395 near the entrance to the fish hatchery.
The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, identified as 27 year old Joseph Baird from Fresno, CA, refused to exit the vehicle. After approximately 20 minutes of negotiation, he agreed to exit the vehicle. Baird was arrested and booked in to the Douglas County Jail. His charges include, eluding, reckless driving, resisting/obstructing a police officer, speeding, passing on a double yellow, driving left of center, driving with a revoked driver’s license, littering, and habitual criminal. His bail is set at $105,770.00. DCSO Investigators are working with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office to assist in their investigation regarding the armed robbery.
"I am very proud of my deputies for stopping Baird before he got into town," said Sheriff Dan Coverley. "The use of the Grappler is a game changer for us to keep the community safe. This tool gives us the ability to stop a vehicle safely when they try to run from us."
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office serves as the County’s only local law enforcement agency. Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, incorporated in 1861, has a long-standing motto of “A Tradition of Service,” which speaks to its commitment to protect and serve the citizens and visitors of Douglas County. The agency remains dedicated to maintaining the quality of life enjoyed throughout our community, and ensuring the county is a safe place to live, work and visit.
TITLE VI Notice:
Members of the public who are disabled, require special assistance or accommodations or an interpreter are requested to notify the Douglas County Manager's Office in writing at Post Office Box 218, Minden, Nevada 89423 or by calling 775-782-9821 at least 20 hours in advance of the meeting.