Man to be sentenced in Washoe van theft

Sentencing is set Jan. 27 for a 21-year-old man who pleaded guilty to possession of a motor vehicle in connection with the theft of a van that belonged to the Washoe Tribe.

"I knew it was stolen. I got inside it," Robert Antone told District Judge Dave Gamble.

Antone, Brandon Brown Jr., 19, and three juveniles were arrested late Nov. 11 after the van crashed into a tree near Westwood Park in Minden following a pursuit from north Douglas County where they were suspects in car burglaries.

According to reports, a Washoe Tribal officer observed Antone allegedly throwing a rock through the window of a 2000 Jeep Cherokee at the Target parking lot.

He also reportedly observed Antone crawling through the window.

When the deputy activated his lights, the suspect fled to a waiting minivan that sped out of the parking lot.

Douglas County sheriff's deputies, called for backup, blocked the intersections at Jacks Valley Road, Genoa Lane and Highway 88 to keep the suspects out of neighborhoods.

According to reports, the van turned on Ironwood, heading for the Westwood subdivision and struck a tree. There were no injuries.

In addition to Douglas deputies and tribal officers, the pursuit involved Carson City sheriff's deputies and the Nevada Highway Patrol.

The tribal officer was originally following the van because the five were suspects in a vehicle burglary in Carson City earlier that day.

Antone could face prosecution by the federal government, Washoe Tribe and California officials.

Antone pleaded guilty to the charge to avoid prosecution on more serious offenses.

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