Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Deescalates Armed Subject at the Ranchos Sandpits
MINDEN, Nevada (July 3, 2025)— On July 3, 2025, at approximately 3:12 PM, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) Deputies were dispatched to the area of the Ranchos Sandpits near the alfalfa fields for a report of a subject pointing a firearm at people.
Upon arrival, a DCSO Deputy located a subject near a parked vehicle on the shoulder of the dirt roadway. The subject was identified as Brandon Nadler, a resident of Gardnerville, Nevada. As the Deputy approached, Nadler showed, but did not point a handgun at the Deputy. The Deputy tactically backed away as Nadler advanced toward him, repeatedly yelling, “Shoot me.”
Additional DCSO personnel arrived on the scene and worked to de-escalate the situation, speaking with the suspect to calm him. During the encounter, Nadler fired his handgun multiple times into the ground, appearing to provoke a confrontation with the Deputies.
Nadler then walked southbound into the nearby alfalfa fields. Deputies maintained verbal communication, continuing their efforts to convince him to surrender peacefully. DCSO deployed the BearCat armored vehicle and approached the suspect to facilitate less-lethal use-of-force options.
Upon the BearCat’s approach, Nadler dropped his firearm and was safely taken into custody without injury. No Deputies were harmed during the incident.
Further investigation revealed that Nadler himself had made the original 911 call reporting "someone pointing a gun at people." The motive behind his actions remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.
At this time, Brandon Nadler will face the following charges:
- Assault with a deadly weapon on a Peace Officer
- Possession of a firearm while intoxicated
- Discharging a firearm on a roadway
Additional charges may be forthcoming pending the outcome of the investigation. No bail amount has been set at this time.
There is no ongoing threat to the community.
Contact:
Undersheriff Ron Elges #0327
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office