Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

PR #: 1400039
Date Issued: Apr 29, 2014 - 4:22pm

Washoe County Sheriff's Detectives continue investigation of armed robbery in Spanish Springs

CONTACT: Bob Harmon
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Office 775-785-6235
Cell 775-722-5517

Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detectives continue to investigate the reported armed robbery that took place in Spanish Springs on Sunday night. The robbery occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at a residence in the 1700 block of Kinglet Drive.

Limited suspect information is available at this time; however one is described as a black male adult, the second as a male of unknown origin.

Detectives have located evidence taken from the victims which was discarded by the suspects. That evidence has been submitted to the Forensic Science Division for examination. Details of the evidence are not being released at this time due to this being an on-going investigation.

At this time the Sheriff's Office believes this to be an isolated incident, with no similar crimes in the immediate area during the preceding 24 months.

Detectives have canvassed the area and are continuing to seek any information from the public that could help identify the two suspects involved in the robbery. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detective Division at (775) 328-3320.

Secret Witness is offering a $1,500 reward for information leading to an arrest and prosecution in this case. Callers to Secret Witness remain anonymous. Secret Witness may be reached at (775) 322-4900 or secretwitness.com.

There are a number of steps residents can take to help protect themselves. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office website provides the following suggestions to help residents deter a potential thief from targeting their home:

  • Start by walking around your property looking for possible ways in which an intruder might get in. Check to make sure window latches and door locks are working properly. Keep them closed and locked at all times.
  • Keep curtains closed and blinds shut.
  • Look for places near entry points where an intruder might hide and wait for an opportunity to enter through an open door. Ideally, doors should not have large sections of glass that could easily be broken, giving access to an interior door handle or locks.
  • Keep the exterior of your property well lit at night. Without the cover of darkness, home invasion becomes much more risky, and less attractive, for a would-be thief.
  • Visibly post "No Trespassing" and/or "No Soliciting" signs on your property.
  • Stay in communication with your neighbors. Communication among residents provides extra security to your neighborhood. Any information you can share is crucial to law enforcement working to prevent crime in your community.

Before opening the door:

It's not uncommon for thieves to try to trick someone into becoming a victim. Consider these suggestions before you unlock a door, and remember you are not obligated to open your door for any person who is unknown to you and uninvited to your home:

  • If you don't have peepholes, install them and use them.
  • Always talk to unknown persons through a locked door. Do NOT open the door until you truly feel it is safe.
  • Ask for identification and verify by calling the business listed on the identification.
  • If you have a cordless or cellular phone, keep it handy to summon help in an emergency.
  • If someone claims to be in distress and in need of assistance, tell them you are calling law enforcement to respond.
  • Teach your children, parents, babysitter and anyone else who may be responsible for opening your door about the risks and proper precautions.
  • If you feel uncomfortable with a situation, call 911.

Alert ID:

Information is power; stay informed with Alert ID, an innovative online community watch program that uses the latest technology to empower residents with information to help protect their families and neighborhoods. Alert ID updates you on crime reports, emergencies and other public safety information in your area and allows you two-way communications with federal, state and local authorities. For more information, visit AlertID.com or download their free mobile apps for iPhone, iPad or Android.

Additional home and personal safety information is available at WashoeSheriff.com.


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.

###