Probation Granted After Road Rage Incident Results in Substantial Bodily Harm

David Solis Rueda appeared in the Tenth Judicial District Court before Judge Thomas Stockard on January 9 for sentencing on a Category C Felony of Battery Causing Substantial Bodily Harm with a Victim 60 Years of Age or Older, to which he pled guilty in October.  

Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford asked Judge Stockard to hold this defendant accountable for his actions. “This society cannot condone random acts of violence, no matter the justification,” said Sanford, who explained the event incident occurring in traffic, after which road rage ensued, and Rueda hit the victim two times. 

Wright Noel, with the Churchill County Public Defender Office, addressed the court, stating, “Mr. Rueda would be the first one to tell you how sorry he is.” According to Noel, Rueda felt so bad that the next day he went back to the area, located the victim, apologized, and they went to the sheriff's office together to report the incident. Noel said the defendant is employed full time, is active in his daughter’s life, and has apologized to the defendant. Noel stated, “Having a felony on his record is no small thing,” and requested probation for his client. 

Rueda told Judge Stockard, “I am deeply regretful for the actions I took on that day,” and that he is participating in counseling and has taken an anger management class. I've learned remedies so this will never happen again.” Rueda accepted full responsibility for his actions and asked the court for mercy. 

The victim was on hand to provide a victim impact statement. “Something has been damaged in me. I just think that the law should take over,” he said. “I realize that Mr. Rueda has pleaded guilty, and he does have a child daughter. I don’t want to harm him; however, I think some punishment should be levied so that he can remember he can’t go around and abuse his strength, his anger, road rage which is what this was.” The victim concluded by stating, “I hope Mr. Rueda will learn from this lesson and change his attitude and proceed from there.” 

Judge Stockard sentenced Rueda to two years of probation on a suspended sentence of 19-48 months in prison, ordered him to enter and complete an anger management course, or to provide Parole & Probation with proof he has already done so. He must also continue counseling, have no contact with the victim, and pay restitution of $193 within six months.