Stop on I-580 leads to arrest of military deserter accused of sexually assaulting minor
A man accused of deserting the military and sexually assaulting a minor was arrested Monday by a Nevada Highway Patrol sergeant.
David L. Helm was booked into the Washoe County jail awaiting the United States Air Force to take him back to Scott Air Force Base in St. Clair County near Belleville, Illinois for his court martial, said NHP Trooper Dave Gibson.
At around 9:45 p.m. Highway Patrol Sgt. Mike Edgel made a traffic stop on a black 2011 Yamaha motorcycle for not having an operating tail lamp. The traffic stop was made on Interstate 580 northbound near Neil Road.
As Sgt. Edgell approached the motorcycle and its two riders, he was alerted to a felony warrant on a United States Air Force military deserter registered to the Illinois license plate owned by David L. Helm. Upon contact with the driver of the motorcycle the adult male cooperated and identified himself with his Illinois driver’s license as David L. Helm. NHP Sgt. Edgell was able to place Helm into handcuffs without a fight.
The female adult rider accompanying Helm was identified by her Philippine passport. She was checked for any wants or warrants through the DPS dispatch center and she was checked clear. A taxi cab was called and she was able to leave the scene of the arrest.
David L. Helm was transported to the Washoe County Detention Center where he was booked on the felony warrant for military desertion. He is currently still at the Washoe County jail awaiting the United States Air Force to transport him back to Scott Air Force Base in St. Clair County near Belleville Illinois for his court martial.
The USAF first alerted the public to Helm’s disappearance on June 4th. He was scheduled to appear before a military court on Monday prior to his absconding. Helm is also accused of sexual assault on a female younger than 16 years old.
NHP's Sgt. Edgell is a 17-year veteran with the Nevada Highway Patrol.