Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

This press release includes audio
PR #: 1400095
Date Issued: Sep 12, 2014 - 8:24am

Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detectives ask public for assistance in locating witness of pursuit that preceded officer involved shooting

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

Washoe County Sheriff's Detectives are asking for public assistance with identifying a witness to events that preceded the August 31 officer involved shooting on Virginia Street.

While Reno Police Officers were searching for the suspect vehicle following the initial report of an armed robbery and shooting at the CVS pharmacy on Plumb Lane, a witness flagged down officers in the area of Mt. Rose and Virginia Streets and identified the suspect's truck. Based on the witness's information, officers located the truck driving northbound on South Virginia near Mt. Rose Street.

The pursuit ultimately ended in the area of Hubbard Way and South Virginia Street where the suspect slowed and exited the still-moving vehicle on the passenger side. Officers saw the suspect heading for the doors of the Peppermill Casino. Officers attempted to subdue the suspect, however the suspect continued towards the casino door. At this time, officers saw that the suspect was holding a handgun and fired on the suspect believing him to be an imminent threat to public safety.

Detectives from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, who are conducting the investigation on behalf of the Regional Officer Involved Shooting Team, are now attempting to locate the witness who flagged down officers near Mt. Rose Street and South Virginia in order to obtain additional information.

The witness is described as a black male adult driving a gold-colored sedan. Anyone with information about the witness, or this incident, is asked to call the Washoe County Sheriff's Office at (775) 328-3320 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900.


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.

###

This press release includes audio Attached audio files...