Deceased Woman Located Following High-Speed Chase

GRASS VALLEY – On the evening of Feb. 19, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) received a missing person report for a Shondra Renee Zimmerman, age 44, of Grass Valley, who was reported missing by a family member. Deputies initiated a search for Zimmerman and located her vehicle at her friend, Andrew Gall’s residence in Nevada City, with no one seemingly home.

The search for Zimmerman continued into the night, with deputies checking areas and locations she was known to frequent in Grass Valley and Nevada City. The search also expanded for Gall and his associated vehicle. An NCSO deputy spotted the vehicle in Grass Valley at approximately 3:55 AM on February 20 and initiated a traffic stop soon after. The driver failed to yield, and a subsequent pursuit was initiated with support from the Grass Valley Police Department and the Nevada City Police Department.

The driver later crashed near Washington Road on Highway 20 and was identified as Gall. He was transported to Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital for medical clearance before being arrested and booked into Wayne Brown Correctional Facility for reckless evasion of a police officer – 2800.2(A) VC; felony violation of parole– 3056 PC; and for DUI – 23152(A) PC.

A subsequent search of Gall’s residence was conducted, and sadly, Zimmerman was located deceased inside the home. The circumstances surrounding her death are under investigation. The cause of death is pending autopsy and toxicology, which may take several weeks to complete. Tips and related information may be provided to the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit by calling (530) 265-1471.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to express its condolences to the Zimmerman family during this most difficult time.