Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

PR #: 1300075
Date Issued: Jul 15, 2013 - 4:03pm

Update: Washoe County Sheriff's Office leads Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation

CASE #: WC13-4213
WHEN: Thursday, July 11, 2013
WHERE: 2100 Block of Belcrest Circle, Reno
CONTACT: Bob Harmon
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Office 775-785-6235
Cell 775-722-5517

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Update: The Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office has completed a formal identification and next of kin notifications. The deceased person has been identified as Kenneth Jewel Stafford, age 27. The cause of death is still pending from the Medical Examiner's Office.

The Regional Officer-Involved Shooting Team investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to immediately call the Sheriff's Office Detectives Division at 328-3320 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900.

The following is from Thursday, July 11, 2013:

On Thursday, July 11th, 2013 at approximately 1:40 PM, officers from the Sparks Police Department responded to a report of a suicidal subject, armed with a firearm in the 3200 block of Wedekind Road.

Officers from the Reno Police Department also responded to assist with locating the individual after it was reported the subject was walking in the area with a firearm.

The subject was located near the 2100 block of Belcrest Circle, Reno. While officers were attempting to investigate the circumstances and negotiate with the subject, an officer involved-shooting occurred.

One subject was transported to the hospital and later succumbed to his injuries.

In accordance with the policies of the Reno and Sparks Police Departments, the involved officers have been placed on routine administrative leave.

The Regional Officer-Involved Shooting Team, comprised of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department and Washoe County District Attorney's Office is conducting a joint investigation into the shooting. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is the lead agency conducting the investigation.

Additional details will become available as the investigation continues.

No officers were injured during the incident.


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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