Sheriff's Office

PR #:
2021-83
Date Issued:
Jun 14, 2021 - 2:13PM

For Immediate Release

Washoe County SWAT, Deputies arrest suspect in series of home break-ins after occupied home-invasion and standoff

For media inquiries contact:
Sarah Johns
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Office: 775-785-6235
Cell: 775-391-0407

Donald Diffin, 49, is in custody at the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility after an hours-long standoff with Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies, assisting agencies, and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team Saturday night.

Patrol deputies were first called to the 300 block of Winding Way in Incline Village shortly after 8:00 p.m. on June 12, 2021. A woman was home alone, she heard someone inside her garage, and she said the suspect was attempting to gain access into her living space. Deputies arrived on scene and could hear someone in the garage. The victim told dispatchers she was hiding in her bedroom.

Placer County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Nevada Highway Patrol troopers assisted in setting up a perimeter while Washoe County deputies attempted to get the suspect to surrender. Deputies were able to safely get the woman away from the house and in a safe location. After more than an hour of attempting to get the suspect to surrender, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team arrived and took over command of the incident.

While SWAT operators took over, deputies found evidence of residential burglaries at neighboring homes. The method of entry was the same as the incident which was currently underway.

SWAT operators attempted to get the suspect to walk out of the residence for more than two hours. Operators then used cutting-edge technology to determine the suspect’s exact location. Utilizing less-lethal tactics, Diffin was taken into custody without incident shortly after 11:30 p.m.

Diffin is charged with two felony counts of home invasion, first offense; a felony count of residential burglary, first offense; a felony count of attempted home invasion; and a misdemeanor count of obstructing and resisting a peace officer.

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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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