Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

PR #: 1300054
Date Issued: May 23, 2013 - 3:25pm

Sheriff's Major Accident Investigation Team investigate fatal traffic accident off Welcome Way

CASE #: WC13-3105
WHEN: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at approximately 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: North bound off Welcome Way, South Reno, Nevada
VICTIM/S: Mercado, Randell - 21-year-old Reno, Nevada resident
CONTACT: Sergeant Armando Avina -

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office Patrol Division and Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) investigated a single vehicle/single occupant fatal traffic accident on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 in the area off of Welcome Way in south Reno at approximately 4:00 p.m.

The Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed that formal identification and next of kin notification has been completed. The decedent has been positively identified as 21-year-old Reno resident, Randell Mercado. Mercado was pronounced deceased at 4:26 p.m.

The Sheriff's M.A.I.T. investigators have determined that speed is a contributing factor in Mercado's fatal accident. The cause of death has not been determined pending toxicology. The Medical Examiner's Office will provide M.A.I.T. investigators with the final results upon completion.

M.A.I.T. personnel confirmed that Mercado was driving a red-colored 2001 Isuzu SUV at a high rate of speed north bound on Welcome Way when he collided with a large boulder. Due to the velocity, Mercado's SUV traveled into the backyard of a residence located on Tucumcari Circle, no persons at this residence were injured. Mercado's vehicle had major damage (see pictures below).

Anyone with information on this accident is urged to contact the Sheriff's M.A.I.T. office at 775-328-3350.

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The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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