Road-Rage Incident Escalates to Gunfire

FERNLEY, Nev. (Dec. 17, 2025) — A road-rage confrontation that escalated into gunfire outside a Wendy’s restaurant in Fernley on Monday afternoon has resulted in one man’s arrest, according to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were dispatched around 2:25 p.m. on Dec. 15 after receiving reports of two to three gunshots fired in the parking lot adjacent to the restaurant. Witnesses told dispatchers that two vehicles fled the scene eastbound on Main Street immediately after firing shots.

Shortly afterward, one of the drivers involved went directly to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office substation in Fernley and called 9-1-1, stating he had fired his gun in self-defense. Deputies responded to the substation and Wendy’s to begin an investigation.

Detectives determined the confrontation stemmed from an unreported traffic incident that occurred two days earlier. Allegedly, on Dec. 13, the wife of Austin Baker was cut off by another driver who yelled at her. She photographed the vehicle and later showed it to Baker.

On Dec. 15, Baker reportedly recognized the vehicle while driving with his wife and their 2-year-old child. Deputies say Baker followed the automobile into the Wendy’s parking lot, pulled in front of it to block it from leaving, exited his car, and began yelling aggressively and making threats toward the other driver.

Investigators say the other driver placed a handgun in his lap as Baker approached. Baker then allegedly began punching the man repeatedly in the face and head, injuring his own hand during the assault. The victim attempted to shield himself, while his female passenger tried to intervene as the attack continued.

During the struggle, the man reportedly grabbed the firearm and fired two shots through the vehicle’s door. One round lodged in the door, while the other missed Baker and struck a dirt mound behind him. Baker then stopped the assault, allowing the man to drive away toward the sheriff’s substation.

Authorities say Baker briefly followed the vehicle before turning toward In-Town Park. He did not report the incident, but was located by deputies later and taken into custody.

Baker is facing multiple charges, including aggravated stalking, motor vehicle burglary, child endangerment, and battery.

The investigation remains ongoing.