Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

PR #: 1900039
Date Issued: Apr 13, 2019 - 12:07am

Sheriff's Office investigating second apparent suicide by a detention facility inmate in 24 hours

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

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is investigating the second apparent suicide by a detention facility inmate in 24 hours.

At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2019, detention facility deputies were notified of a possible medical emergency inside one of the cells. When deputies arrived at the cell they located a non-responsive adult male inmate on the floor. Deputies immediately began life-saving measures until medical staff arrived. REMSA and the Reno Fire Department were also notified and responded. The inmate was pronounced deceased by medical staff at 8:56 p.m.

The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner's Office will conduct the formal death investigation.


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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