SPARKS, NV — A driver is suspected of driving under the influence after a white Lexus struck two marked Sparks police vehicles late Saturday night while officers were assisting a stranded motorist, according to the Sparks Police Department.
Police said the collision happened near Pyramid Way and Farr Lane around 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 3. Officers had already responded to the area for a vehicle that had run out of gas and had activated emergency lights while helping that driver.
No immediate information was released about injuries, and authorities said the crash is still being investigated.
Officers were already helping a driver whose vehicle had run out of gas
Police said the officers were in the roadway assisting a stranded driver when the crash occurred. Their patrol vehicles were marked, and the emergency lights were on at the time.
That detail matters because the officers were not at the scene for a traffic stop or other enforcement action. They were there to help a motorist who had been left disabled after running out of fuel.
The crash happened late at night on a busy corridor in Sparks, adding another layer of risk to what began as a routine service call. Police did not say how fast the Lexus was traveling before impact.
Authorities have also not said whether the stranded driver was inside the vehicle, outside it, or already receiving help when the Lexus hit the police units.
Nevada State Police took over the crash investigation
After the collision, Nevada State Police responded to the scene and handled the investigation, Sparks police said. State investigators later determined that alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash.
That finding is the basis for the suspicion that the Lexus driver was impaired. Police have not released any additional details about testing, field evaluations, or the amount of alcohol involved.
Authorities have also not said whether the crash led to any road closures or how long officers remained at the scene. The investigation is still open.
When a crash involves law enforcement vehicles, agencies often coordinate so one department can assist while another conducts the review. In this case, Sparks police identified Nevada State Police as the agency that examined what happened.
Driver identified as Donavon Ryales may face charges
Sparks police identified the driver as Donavon Ryales. Police said he is expected to face criminal charges tied to the crash.
No charges were announced in the immediate aftermath, and authorities did not specify what those charges may be. They also did not say whether Ryales remained at the scene or whether he was taken for medical treatment.
The police department said officers checked on the Lexus driver and provided medical aid after the collision. That response came after the vehicle struck the police units near Pyramid Way and Farr Lane.
Because the investigation remains active, officials have not released a fuller account of the chain of events leading up to the crash or any court timeline connected to the case.
Late-night crash raised risks for officers on scene
The collision underscores the danger officers can face even during routine roadside assistance. What began as help for a driver out of gas quickly turned into a crash involving two marked police vehicles.
Police did not say how badly the patrol cars were damaged, but the fact that both were hit suggests a serious impact. The department also did not say whether the officers who had been helping the stranded motorist were hurt.
No information was immediately released about injuries to anyone involved. Police said only that the officers checked on the Lexus driver and provided aid at the scene.
With the investigation continuing, authorities have left open several questions, including the precise sequence of the crash and whether any witnesses have been interviewed.
What police have said so far about the Oct. 3 crash
So far, Sparks police have confirmed the time, location and basic sequence: officers were helping a stranded driver at Pyramid Way and Farr Lane when a white Lexus crashed into their vehicles around 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 3.
They have also said alcohol was a contributing factor and that the driver, Donavon Ryales, is expected to face charges. Beyond that, the department has not released additional findings.
For now, the case remains in the hands of investigators. Any charges, if filed, would follow whatever conclusions prosecutors and law enforcement reach as the crash review continues.
Police have not said when more information might be made public.