Man charged with murder after allegedly shooting one trucker, beating another

Nevada police say that a man is facing multiple charges — including murder — after reportedly attacking two truck drivers.

Matthew Strain, 29, has been charged with battery with a deadly weapon, attempted robbery with a deadly weapon, and open murder, according to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.

The incidents that led to Strain’s arrest began around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, in Smith Valley, Nevada.

Police began receiving 911 calls about a highway shooter in the Smith Valley area. Multiple law enforcement agencies including the Nevada Highway Patrol responded.

Following an investigation, police determined that Strain had been involved in a single vehicle on crash on State Route 338 just south of Canal Road. He fled the crash scene on foot, heading north on SR 338.

Strain was eventually able to flag down a northbound semi truck driven by Zachary Sanchez, 36.

Police say that at some point, Sanchez exited his truck and was shot by Strain.

A semi truck driver traveling south on SR 338 came upon the scene. Police say Strain attacked and battered the unidentified truck driver in an attempt to steal his truck. The truck driver was able to escape and fled the scene.

When officers arrived on scene, Strain was attempting to hide. He was arrested without further incident.

Sanchez was pronounced dead at the scene.

The other truck driver was treated for injuries and released.

Strain is currently being held in Lyon County Jail on a no-bail hold.

This is the latest incident in a string of violent attacks against truck drivers. In August, 53 year old truck driver Christine Summers lost her life after she stopped on a Birmingham area roadway, thinking that she’d hit something. She was beaten to death outside of her truck by a suspect who was later arrested and charges.