Iraq vet given probation for Metzker hit-and-run and forgiveness

Iraq vet given probation for Metzker hit-and-run
Sep 14, 2012
RGJ.com
Written by
Jaclyn O’Malley

Ryan Joseph Rhea, 23, of Sparks, arrested Nov. 12 on one felony count of hit-and-run causing the death of KTVN sports director JK Metzker. Officials said alcohol appears to be a factor in the case, which is still under investigation.

Drinks with friends at a college hangout following a University of Nevada football game ended tragically Nov. 12 when sportscaster JK Metzker was struck by a pickup as he crossed the street.

The driver, a 23-year-old Iraq War combat veteran, backed up, and then drove around the 41-year-old father of three’s body, said Deputy District Attorney Elliott Sattler.

On the advice of a passenger who yelled, “Go, go, go! I have a traffic warrant!” Ryan Rhea then drove down residential streets to try to elude responding police, Sattler said, adding that Rhea had been drinking alcohol earlier in the evening.

Rhea never stopped to help Metzker, and never called police, despite his military training, Sattler said.

Metzker, a popular television figure at KTVN Channel 2, later died of his injuries. Attorneys said in court Friday that Metzker’s injuries were so severe that had Rhea stopped to help, it would not have improved his chance to survive.

Washoe District Judge Brent Adams on Friday suspended Rhea’s 2- to 10-year prison sentence and ordered he be on probation for not more than five years. Adams also ordered Rhea to perform community service and pay a $2,000 fine. Rhea had pleaded guilty to the felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident involving the death of a human being.
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