MINDEN, Nev. (Sept. 20, 2026) –– On Sept. 19, 2026, at approximately 4:05 p.m., Douglas County Sheriff’s Office patrol units were responding to a reported verbal domestic disturbance in the Ranchos area of Gardnerville when deputies observed the involved subject’s vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed near Tillman Lane and Kimmerling Road.
Deputies attempted to catch up to the vehicle and conduct a traffic stop. The subject failed to stop and continued fleeing from deputies at a high rate of speed.
The subject’s motor vehicle continued to the intersection of Kimmerling Road and Country Lane, where he attempted to pass another vehicle traveling in his lane of traffic. The subject crossed into the oncoming lane and collided head-on with a motorcycle carrying one male and one female.
Both motorcycle occupants sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Following the collision, the subject’s vehicle continued off the roadway and struck a tree on the eastbound side of Kimmerling Road. The subject sustained severe injuries and was transported by air ambulance to Renown Regional Medical Center for treatment.
The decedents on the motorcycle are identified as:
Donald Johnson of Gardnerville, Nevada
Shelly Johnson of Gardnerville, Nevada
The driver of the motor vehicle is identified as:
Gerardo Adame-Lopez, of Reno, Nevada
The investigation remains ongoing. Preliminary charges being considered include:
- DUI causing death – two counts
- Eluding causing death – two counts
- Reckless driving causing death – two counts
The investigation is being conducted by Carson City Sheriff's Office, Nevada State Police, and Lyon County Sheriff's Office.
These charges are preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues and the evidence is reviewed.
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