Man killed by Douglas deputy near own burial plot
GARDNERVILLE, Nev. (AP) -- A man police say pointed a loaded shotgun at a Douglas County sheriff's deputy was only feet from his own tombstone when the officer shot and killed him.
Authorities say 77-year-old David Pendleton died at the scene Wednesday afternoon at the Gardnerville Cemetery after summoning police himself.
Sheriff's Sgt. Jim Halsey says Pendleton's wife died recently and is buried in a family plot. Next to it, officers found a headstone with David Pendleton's name and date of birth already engraved.
The sheriff's office on Thursday identified the deputy involved in the shooting as Richard Koontz. The 29-year-old officer is a six-year veteran of the department. Koontz is on routine, paid leave pending an investigation.
Halsey says Pendleton had threatened to use weapons against officers and civilians in the past.
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