Arrested detention deputy appears before judge

The Nye County Detention deputy charged with domestic battery, gross child endangerment and assault with a deadly weapon is scheduled to be formally arraigned later this month.

Andrew Denning, who remains in custody, appeared before Judge Ron Kent on Monday.

Denning was arrested March 28 after allegedly pointing a loaded gun at his wife while he was holding their child.

His bail was set at $10,500, and he will be formally arraigned on April 17.

“The court’s review of the declaration of arrest, reveals probable cause,” Kent said. “Because of the gravity of the charges, standard bail will be set and we are going to have you back on a formal arraignment.”

According to the police report, during an argument with his wife, Denning allegedly retrieved a handgun from a locked gun safe inside the home, loaded the weapon and attempted to exit the home, all while holding their 3-year-old child.

The report went on to say, the detention deputy allegedly pointed the gun at his wife’s head to get her to move out of his way as he tried to leave with the couple’s boy.

The incident began when Denning allegedly pushed his wife with his shoulder during the argument, police said.

Denning admitted to the acts during a recorded interview, according to police.

He was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, gross child endangerment and misdemeanor domestic battery.

Prosecutor Patrick Ferguson urged Kent not to release Denning on his own recognizance.

“In light of the fact that the domestic violence allegation involved a handgun, I think an own recognizance release is inappropriate and I would ask the court to go with standard bail,” he said.

Denning, 24, has worked at the detention center since December. He was placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.