📌 THE GIST:
ELKO, NV — The Elko Police Department has identified the two victims of Monday’s shooting at Elko Regional Airport as 37-year-old Giovanni Perez and his 11-year-old son, Callan Perez. EPD says the incident was an apparent murder-suicide. The airport is scheduled to reopen Tuesday afternoon.
🔍 THE DETAILS:
- The Victims: Giovanni Perez, 37, was found deceased near the airline ticket counter when officers arrived. His son, 11-year-old Callan Perez, was found in the airport restroom suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital, where he later died.
- What Led Them There: The two were traveling together when their rental vehicle became disabled outside Winnemucca. They were towed to Elko Regional Airport to obtain a replacement rental vehicle.
- The Sequence: Police say the two entered the airport restroom, left for an unknown reason, then returned to the restroom where Giovanni shot Callan. Giovanni then exited the restroom and shot himself near the ticket counter.
- The Response: The Elko Bomb Squad was deployed to process the vehicle for explosive devices as a precaution. No explosives were found. Several bystanders who were present directed officers to the restroom.
- Airport Status: Both Monday’s inbound and outbound flights were canceled. The airport is set to reopen Tuesday afternoon, with Flight DL 4317 scheduled to arrive at 5:30 p.m.
- EPD Statement: “The Elko Police Department would like to express our deepest condolences to the family of Callan Perez. No family should ever have to experience a loss like this.” The department directed anyone experiencing mental health issues to contact a provider or call 988, the national suicide and crisis lifeline.
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⚡ THE SPARK: Elko Regional Airport is a critical connection point for Northeastern Nevada — should airports of this size have dedicated mental health resources or crisis intervention staff on site?
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🔗 SOURCES: Elko Police Department — KSL News Radio KOLO TV — Elko PD New Details 2 News Nevada — Airport Reopening