Court date set for deputy on off-duty gun charge

A Douglas County deputy will be in Carson City Justice Court on March 3, charged with pointing his weapon at another motorist during an argument while off-duty,

Adam Spoon will be given a bench trial on the charge of misdemeanor drawing or exhibiting a deadly weapon in a rude, angry or threatening manner.

According to the criminal complaint, Spoon "displayed or brandished a semiautomatic handgun at Sean Bowers and threatened to shoot him," on Sept. 24 at William and Carson streets.

In statements from both Bowers and his wife, Julie, they said they were riding a borrowed motorcycle north on Carson Street about 10 p.m., Spoon, driving in a pickup, allegedly tailgated them through town.

When eventually Spoon drove past at a stop light in a turn lane, Bowers made a comment into Spoon's open passenger window, Bowers said.

Spoon allegedly backed up and the two exchanged words, Bowers said.

At some point, Spoon allegedly pulled a gun out and pointed it at Bowers stating, "I'm a cop and I'll shoot you," according to Bowers' statement.

Spoon wrote in a written statement that he drew his weapon out of fear after Bowers allegedly got off his motorcycle and "quickly and aggressively walked to my truck with an angry look on his face."

A man waiting for the light behind Bowers told investigators he was unable to hear what Spoon said during the dispute nor did he see a gun, but he could hear Bowers saying "You're gonna shoot me over this?"

The man also told investigators Bowers never got off his motorcycle, which was about six feet from the passenger door of Spoon's truck.

Spoon is being defended by Reno attorney Gene Drakulich.

He was transferred to work in the jail until the court matter is finished, said Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini.