Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Responds to Brush Fire and Arrests Suspect Per Washoe County Sheriff: “On June 22, 2024, at approximately 12:20 am, a Washoe County Sheriff’s Office supervisor observed a brush fire in the area of Dandini Blvd. and Clear Acre Ln. Additional deputies responded to the scene to assist with extinguishing the fire, which was burning landscaping in the front yard of a residence and threatening nearby structures. Fire services were also dispatched to the scene. Witnesses on the scene described a suspect who had left the area on foot. Deputies initiated a search for the suspect and located a subject matching the description walking a short distance from the fire. The subject, later identified as 67-year-old Joseph Parker, was ordered by deputies to stop. Parker drew a pair of scissors from his pocket and refused commands to drop them. During the interaction, deputies utilized a conducted energy weapon (TASER) and were able to take Parker into custody safely. Parker was transported to the Washoe County Detention Facility and is charged with the following offenses: • Obstructing and resisting with the use of a deadly weapon • Assault on a protected person with the use of a deadly weapon • Failing to guard/extinguish a fire endangering property • Destruction of property of another “Thanks to the diligent efforts of our deputies, only property was damaged in this incident. However, due to the close proximity to homes, it could have resulted in a much worse outcome,” said Sheriff Balaam. “Our region has experienced several fires in the past month, and as summer temperatures rise, we must all work together to reduce the fire threat by adhering to the permitted guidelines and restrictions for outdoor recreational fires.’”