For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1600055 |
| Date Issued: | Jul 07, 2016 - 6:31am |
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New details emerge as Regional Team investigates officer involved shooting in downtown Reno |
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| CONTACT: | Deputy Jeff McCaskill Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-328-6370 Cell 775-771-8252 |
On July 3, 2016 at approximately 1:30 in the afternoon officers with the Reno Police Department were involved in a shooting after a vehicle attempted to drive into a large crowd of people attending an event in Downtown Reno.
The incident began after a Reno Police Motor Officer observed a white mini-van driving the wrong way on East 2nd Street from Wells Avenue. The Motor Officer initiated a traffic stop on the mini-van but the vehicle failed to yield to the Motorcycle unit.
The mini-van traveled through downtown Reno and the wrong way on East Commercial Row, a one way street. As the van proceeded the wrong way it struck another vehicle, occupied by two people, near the intersection of East Commercial Row and Center Street.
The vehicle left the scene of the accident and turned West on Plaza Street toward Virginia Street. At the time of this incident, Virginia Street was closed to vehicle traffic and was crowded with pedestrians attending the Biggest Little City Wingfest.
As the vehicle approached Virginia Street a Reno Police Officer working in the area fired on the vehicle. The vehicle turned North onto Virginia Street into the crowd of people, eventually coming to a stop.
Officers on scene immediately began lifesaving measures on the driver of the mini-van until medical first responders arrived on scene.
The driver of the mini-van was transported to a local hospital where he was declared deceased.
The decedent has been identified as Raul Saavedra-Vargas, 24 years old of Morgan Hill, California.
No civilians or officers were injured during the incident.
Three Reno Police Officers that were involved with this incident have been placed on administrative leave.
In accordance with the Regional Officer Involved Shooting protocol, a team comprised of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Sparks Police Department, Reno Police Department, and Washoe County District Attorney's Office is conducting a joint investigation into the shooting.
Anyone with information regarding this case 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.