Denny Benka dies in fatal Churchill County shooting.
Fatal Churchill County shooting death of Denny Benka.
Churchill County authorities have released new details concerning the unfortunate death of Denny Benka following a Monday incident. The Churchill County Sheriff’s Office secured Nevada State Police involvement in an independent probe due to the nature of the event.
The incident began on the evening of June 16 when emergency services, including the Churchill County Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Office, were dispatched to Trento Lane near Mustang Pond. Initial reports indicated a fire at the location.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered a vehicle completely engulfed in flames. Contact was made with Denny Benka, a 46-year-old man, who was standing near his recreational vehicle (RV) by the fire scene. According to official accounts, Benka initially refused to vacate the area, displaying confrontational behavior and wielding a hatchet as authorities worked to extinguish the blaze.
When officers attempted to ensure safety by asking Benka to step back, he ignored the order and subsequently retrieved a high-caliber rifle from his trailer. This weapon was later confirmed to be a pneumatic rifle. Following the alleged sighting of the weapon, a deputy fired their weapon in self-defense.
Medical aid was immediately administered to Denny Benka, who was transported to an ambulance for further treatment. Regrettably, despite the medical efforts, his life could not be saved. The deputy involved, with extensive law enforcement experience, has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation’s conclusion.
Denny Benka possessed a documented history of criminal offenses, stretching back to 1998, encompassing charges related to resisting arrest, violence against law enforcement, battery, and arson. Both the fire’s origin and the specific circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting continue to be thoroughly investigated.
