Hill Fined for Having Firearms on School Premise During Active Shooter Scare

Eric Raymond Hill appeared in District Court before Judge Thomas Stockard on Tuesday, August 15 where he pleaded guilty to the Gross Misdemeanor of Possession of a Dangerous Weapon on the Property of a School. Defense counsel for Hill, Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer, stated that on February 16, 2023, there was a hoax regarding an active shooter at Numa Elementary School. Hill was notified as a parent of a child attending Numa. He went to the school to ensure the situation was handled appropriately and that his child was safe. Hill did not see law enforcement at the school, so he approached the school and found the door locked. He had a firearm in his waistband and other firearms in his vehicle, parked on the school grounds, a gross misdemeanor.

Chief Deputy DA Chelsea Sanford stated that Hill cooperated when law enforcement approached him and surrendered four firearms. However, he made law enforcement’s job more difficult, according to Sandford, who said, “While the defendant might have no ill intent when he committed this crime, he nonetheless created a dangerous situation and anxiety amongst both the school district and law enforcement.”  

Sommer explained to the court that in 2010, while Hill was a Reno Walmart manager, a man came into the store and not only shot Hill but then barricaded himself in the store for hours. The incident had life-altering effects on the defendant. Upon learning his child may be in a similar situation, he reacted, wanting to ensure his child was safe. Sommer asked the court to consider a fine of $1,000.

Hill spoke, explaining that since the situation, he has educated himself regarding school procedures, law enforcement procedures, and what parents should do if a similar incident should happen.  He stated, “I now have a clear understanding of what I did wrong, and I promise going forward it will never happen again. I know that all our children will be safe with the community and the people we have in place now.”

Judge Stockard imposed a $2,000 fine and told Hill, “We can’t have people subverting law enforcement resources.”