For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1500091 |
| Date Issued: | Aug 13, 2015 - 4:31pm |
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Washoe Sheriff's Office identifies person of interest in this morning's incident in which an RPD Officer was struck by a vehicle |
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| CONTACT: | Deputy Jeff McCaskill Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-328-6370 Cell 775-771-8252 |
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office has identified a person of interest in the investigation of this morning's shooting incident involving a Reno Police Officer who was struck by a vehicle on Arlington Avenue.
The person of interest is identified as Russell Kirk Roberts, age 24, of Reno. A photo of Roberts standing near his Mercedes Benz is attached to this release. Investigators say the Mercedes should have damage from gunfire on the vehicle's driver side.
The vehicle had temporary tags NV 217 888 that expired in early July. Investigators believe it may still have the temporary plates or no plates.
Roberts is considered to be armed and dangerous and has outstanding felony warrants from Parole and Probation and the Sparks Police Department.
Anyone who has information about his whereabouts is asked to notify law enforcement immediately by contacting 911. Do not approach the suspect.
At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2015, the RPD Officer was responding to a call in the 100 block of Arlington Avenue. After the Officer made contact with a subject, the subject struck the Officer with his vehicle and the Officer fired on the vehicle.
The Officer was transported to a local hospital with what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries.
The Officer was responding to a call for service at a bar where a patron was being detained for not paying a bar tab. Upon arrival, the Officer was flagged down by a white female who said that a man had just pointed a firearm at her. She directed the Officer to a white male in a Mercedes Benz. That is when the suspect fled in the vehilce and struck the officer.
Investigators are also seeking this female victim as she left the scene as events unfolded. Anyone with information about the female victim or the incident that may prove useful to the investigation is asked to call the Washoe County Sheriff's Office at (775) 328-3320 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900.
The Reno Police Department invoked the Regional Officer Involved Shooting Protocol based on the overall circumstances and the potential that the suspect had been struck by the Officer's rounds. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is now the lead investigative agency.
photo 1: Person of Interest Russell Roberts standing next to his Mercedes
photo 2: January 2015 mug shot of Russell Roberts
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.