Conviction in Felony DUI Trial

Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks Announces Conviction in a Felony DUI Trial

Reno, Nevada, December 5, 2016

Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks announced a conviction in a felony driving under the influence (DUI) trial that concluded last week.  A 57 year old male pedestrian sustained serious injuries as a result of a crash caused by the defendant, who now faces up to 20 years in prison.   

Shonnon Forrest McNatt, 36 (dob 11/26/80), from Reno was found guilty on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 of one count of DUI Causing Substantial Bodily Harm.  Mcnatt will be sentenced on January 25, 2017 in Department 7 of Washoe County District Court.  

 The case against McNatt began on April 22, 2015 when the Reno Police Department responded to the report of a vehicle striking a pedestrian.  Upon arrival, the officers determined that a pedestrian had been struck by a white Audi being driven eastbound on Silver Lake Boulevard near Dandelion by McNatt.  The victim had suffered a broken collar bone and shoulder blade in the collision and was transported to the hospital. Officers noticed signs of intoxication when interviewing McNatt.  He was arrested after failing several field sobriety tests and this office subsequently filed formal criminal charges against him.   

During trial, Deputy District Attorney Zelalem Bogale presented testimony from the victim's treating physician establishing the victim's injuries.  In response to the defense argument that the collision was caused by a blown tire, DDA Bogale successfully argued that the blown tire resulted from the collision itself, which was preceded by McNatt driving his vehicle up onto a curb, traveling on the sidewalk, and ultimately striking a road sign. McNatt’s blood alcohol level was a 0.219 and 0.203 within two hours of the collision.