On November 12, 2024, at approximately 7:08 PM, officers from the Lake Havasu City Police Department were investigating an incident in the 1400 block of Smoketree Avenue when they were alerted to a possible shooting in the same area. Upon arrival, officers determined that an altercation had occurred, during which a firearm was discharged.

Two individuals, including a juvenile, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at the hospital before being released.

Following a detailed investigation by the Lake Havasu City Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit, Ryan Nelson, an 18-year-old Lake Havasu City resident, was identified as a suspect. Within two days of asking for public assistance, numerous community tips helped locate and apprehend Nelson.

On November 20, 2024, at approximately 7:42 PM, officers conducting surveillance in the area of Sweetwater Avenue and Acoma Boulevard South observed a subject matching Nelson’s description leaving the area in a vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted near Oro Grande Boulevard and Thunderbolt Avenue, where Nelson was located and arrested without incident.

Nelson faces charges including attempted second-degree homicide, armed robbery, three counts of aggravated assault, endangerment, disorderly conduct with a weapon, possession of a stolen firearm, weapons misconduct, and a probation violation warrant. After his initial court appearance, he was held on a $500,000 cash-only bond and transferred to the custody of the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.

In addition to Nelson’s arrest, four other individuals were arrested during this investigation for providing false information to law enforcement, as they made misleading statements regarding the case.

The Lake Havasu City Police Department extends its gratitude to the community members who provided tips and shared information on social media, contributing to Nelson’s apprehension.

Public Information Officer:  Sergeant Kyle Ridgway