The Churchill County Sheriff's Office has called on the Nevada State Police Division of Investigations to conduct an independent probe into a fatal officer-involved shooting.

The incident occurred on June 16, when a deputy responded to a fire near Mustang Pond.

At approximately 7:44 p.m., the deputy arrived to find a vehicle engulfed in flames and encountered Denny Benka, a 46-year-old man, standing on the porch of his RV.

Despite multiple commands to move away for firefighters to begin suppression efforts, Benka refused, responded confrontationally, and brandished a hatchet.

The deputy drew his firearm and ordered Benka to drop the weapon.

Officials say, Benka retreated into his trailer and re-emerged with what appeared to be a scoped high-caliber rifle, later identified as a pneumatic rifle.

When Benka aimed the weapon at the deputy, the deputy fired in self-defense.

The deputy provided medical assistance to Benka, who was transported to an ambulance.

According to NSP, despite life-saving efforts, Benka was pronounced dead at the scene.

A search revealed additional weapons on Benka, including a knife and an object resembling an ice pick.

The deputy, with five years of service at the CCSO and over ten years of law enforcement experience, has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation's outcome.

Benka had a criminal history dating back to 1998, with prior arrests for resisting arrest, assault on a peace officer, battery, and arson.

The causes of both the fire and the shooting remain under investigation, with further information to be released as it becomes available.