Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

PR #: 2000044
Date Issued: Apr 20, 2020 - 11:21am

Washoe County Sheriff's Office asks for help identifying suspect in vehicle theft, credit card fraud investigation

CONTACT: Sarah Johns
911 Parr Blvd
Reno, NV. 89512
Office: 775-785-6235
Cell: 775-391-0407

WASHOE VALLEY, Nev. -- Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detectives are asking for the public's help with identifying a suspect in the investigation of a stolen vehicle and related credit card fraud.

Deputies first responded to a reported stolen GMC Sierra from a home in Old Washoe Estates early Sunday, April 19, 2020. During their investigation it was discovered the victim's credit cards were used at the Walmart in northwest Reno and the Chevron station on South McCarran.

Detectives were able to obtain surveillance photos of the man who used the stolen credit cards, and they are now asking the public for any information that may help to identify him. Surveillance photos of the suspect and a possible suspect vehicle are attached.

During the investigation deputies also learned that eight additional vehicles were burglarized in the same Old Washoe Estates neighborhood. All of the vehicles were left unlocked.

The Sheriff's Office is already noticing an increase in vehicle burglaries, nearly three times the average our region sees this time of year. The Office reminds residents of these suggested prevention tips:

  • Don't leave valuables in the car. If you don't need to take valuables with you for an outing, leave them safely at home. If valuables must be left in a vehicle, be sure to lock them in the trunk or glove compartment not under jackets or blankets behind the seat as that is one of the first places criminals look
  • Leave no trace. Don't leave any sign that there might be valuables hidden in a vehicle by leaving items such as docking stations or connector cables visible. Leave nothing in plain sight that might make the vehicle a target for thieves, not even loose coins
  • Be sure to set the car alarm or anti-theft devices. These are still effective deterrents against criminals who are looking for the easiest target
  • Keep windows completely closed. Partially open windows may make your vehicle an easier target for thieves
  • Lock the door when leaving the car. Still one of the most common issues with vehicle burglaries

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detective Division at (775) 328-3320 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900. Refer to case number WC20-1669.

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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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