Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

Two men sent to the hospital after fireworks incident at Moonrocks

Two men are in local hospitals after a fireworks incident turned catastrophic last night at a large gathering in a remote location north of Reno.  Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to the Moonrocks - north of Spanish Springs - at midnight on May 29, 2022, after initially receiving a report of shots fired.

Deputies responding to the area were met at the intersection of Pyramid Highway and Winemucca Ranch Road by citizens who were transporting a man who sustained a punctured lung.  Truckee Meadows Fire personnel and REMSA paramedics evaluated the injured man and provided initial medical care.  REMSA transported this man to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Deputies continued to the Moonrocks where they discovered another male adult with major deformities and injuries to this left hand.  This individual was being treated on scene by a citizen.  Deputies transported this individual, with the assistance of the citizen to Winemucca Ranch Road where Truckee Meadows Fire provided medical care and a landing zone for Care Flight was set up.  This subject was transported to a local hospital by Care Flight where he is in stable condition.

The preliminary investigation revealed that one man was standing in front of a crowd of approximately 500 people on top of a rock outcropping.  The man lit a firework, which exploded in his hand.  The firework then traveled through the crowd, striking another man in the chest.  Immediate assistance was provided to this man by citizens on scene.

This incident serves as a reminder of the danger of fireworks, especially when combined with alcohol or other substances.  “Fireworks are not only dangerous but illegal to possess in Washoe County,” said Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam, “Incidents like this magnify the danger associated with illegal fireworks.  Any fireworks display should be left to professionals”.

Sheriff Balaam would like to extend his thanks and appreciation to the individuals who provided life-saving assistance to the injured subjects during this incident.  “Without their help, the prognosis of the injured men could have been worse and potentially fatal, they provided care that may have saved their lives,” said Sheriff Balaam.

This incident remains under investigation.  If you have additional information which could be of assistance to investigators, please contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office patrol division at (775) 328-3350 or remain anonymous by calling Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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