For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1600039 |
| Date Issued: | Jun 09, 2016 - 8:56am |
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Suspect in multiple vehicle theft and vehicle burglary investigations in custody thanks to Secret Witness tip |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
A Washoe County Sheriff's Office investigation into a stolen vehicle from the Hidden Valley area has led to the arrest of 22-year-old Robert Lopez on 20 related charges, including three felony counts of Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, four felony counts of Burglary, and five felony counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card.
Lopez was initially identified through a Secret Witness tip after Sheriff's Office Detectives asked for public assistance with the investigation. Lopez was arrested by Sparks Police Department on May 29, 2016 as part of one of their stolen vehicle investigations.
Lopez is believed to be responsible for a string of vehicle thefts and vehicle burglaries that occurred throughout the south Reno area during the last two weeks of May.
Early in the morning of May 23, Lopez used a credit card related to one of the stolen vehicles at a 7-Eleven store in Reno. Investigators were able to obtain surveillance photos of the suspect from the store. Those photos were made public, leading to Lopez being identified by a Secret Witness tip.
This is an ongoing investigation and Detectives believe Lopez may be related to additional stolen vehicle and burglary cases. Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detective Division at (775) 328-3320 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900.
This case is an important reminder that criminals are always looking for opportunities and residents should take preventative safety measures that may help mitigate the chances of becoming a victim.
- Lock your doors!
- Do not leave items in plain view in your vehicle.
- If parking outside, remove your garage door opener from your vehicle.
- If parking in the driveway, leave your outdoor lights on.
- Do not leave residential keys ‘hidden' in your yard.
- Don't leave your vehicle warming up in the driveway unattended.
- Report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood.
For additional safety information:
- Visit the "Staying Safe" page at WashoeSheriff.com.
- "Like" the Washoe County Sheriff's Office on Facebook
- "Follow" @WashoeSheriff on Twitter
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.