7.7.25 **Update**Yerington Area Residents Angered by Late-Night Pranks; Seeking Community’s Help

July 7, 2025 ***Update***The Yerington Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying the subjects in the photos. While we know the quality is not the best, we’re hoping someone will recognize any of these subjects. This is an ongoing investigation and any help is appreciated. Please reach out to Sgt. Coombs or Officer Smith with information.

These photos are from the Yerington Police Department. Please call non-emergency dispatch at 775-463-6620 if you recognize any of these people:

June 30, 2025 ***Update***Earlier today, the Pizen Switch Times posted photos from a homeowner’s Ring camera of boys ringing the doorbell (several times during afternoons), then running away. The photos have been removed at the resident’s request after the boys apologized in person and with notes of apology.

Please continue to watch for older juveniles and or young adults who (in the middle of the night) jump out of their cars to run into/damage garage doors, bang on windows, etc.)

Numerous Yerington area residents are fed up with the late-night/early morning antics of a group of local youths who have been viciously attacking their homes by banging on windows and doors in the wee hours to awaken and frighten those residents, in some cases  ding-dong ditching, kicking in doors and jumping locked gates to steal items from yards.

Profanity and racial slurs have also been reported. Most of this activity has occurred when schools are out for holidays like Halloween or school-related events such as homecoming, graduation, spring and summer break.

Several residents report this dangerous activity has been going on for some time, apparently as a prank deemed funny by the perpetrators. One victim reports kids beating on windows at least 25 times now. Another victim reported it is possible some instances could result in injuries or worse for seniors, children and animals.  Most, but not all of the victims, have been retired residents.

Authorities have thus far been unable to catch or apprehend these scoundrels.

These pranks have been occurring in several different neighborhoods in the community, including S. Whitacre St., north and south Mountain View, Kay Way, Sandy Ave, Oregon St., Nevada St., Luzier Lane and most-likely more.

Victims report the activity has occurred several times in most cases, frightening children, senior citizens and animals. Some damage to homes thanks to the pounding on garage and house doors and windows is a reality .

Some residents have installed ring cameras and hunting cameras and other devices in an effort to identify the responsible individuals, but the suspects have now taken to disguising themselves with hoodies and face masks. Anger has been growing as some might consider taking matters into their own hands, like using pepper or bear spray or setting traps for the culprits.

There have been similar instances in other states in the U.S. including Oregon, Texas, Georgia and more; and some believe it is in response to an internet teen challenge. Such activity can be dangerous for the offenders as well as there has been one report of a homeowner shooting and killing three youths in another state.

It is believed there may be three different groups of youths participating in what could amount to criminal activity.

Several victims have reported a “blonde haired” boy seen on security cameras in disguise.

And one resident says he experienced incidents where he identified several getaway vehicles: one as a white, 2-door, extended cab pickup; another as a 4-door white pickup; a single-cab pickup (dark in color); and a mid-80s single cab Toyota pickup (red or maroon).

Talk of a curfew for youngsters has been generated much as there was here many years ago.

These local residents are asking the community to keep an eye out and an ear to the ground in an effort to apprehend the offenders. Anyone experiencing similar behavior or willing to provide information is asked to contact the Yerington Police Department or the Lyon County Sherriff’s Office. Non-emergency dispatch phone # is 775-463-6620.

Someone knows who the perpetrators are. If you see or hear something, say something.

Submitted article.