Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies make multiple arrests surrounding dognapping at Washoe County Regional Animal Services

Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies today announced the arrest of multiple people as the result of an investigation into the theft of a declared dangerous dog from the Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS) Shelter.

Shortly after 9:30 a.m. on February 2, 2022, deputies responded to a reported commercial burglary at WCRAS. When they arrived on scene, deputies found several fences cut, and one kennel’s lock forcibly cut. A Pit Bull Terrier named Lola housed inside that kennel was gone. Lola was residing at WCRAS after having been declared a dangerous dog through the Washoe County Administrative Hearing Office.

Lola was seized by Animal Services on January 10, 2022, in the interest of public safety. Between that date and the day of the burglary, Lola’s owner Rachel Irvin visited Lola multiple times at the WCRAS facility.

While investigating the WCRAS burglary, deputies learned that Lola was deemed to be aggressive and dangerous. In surveillance footage from her dognapping, Lola appeared playful and familiar with the people removing her from the premises. As a result of this and other information, deputies were able to establish probable cause to arrest Rachel Irvin.

Through intelligence gathered during a separate investigation – Animal Control Officers, with the assistance of Deputy Sheriffs, went to Irvin’s residence to serve a search warrant and re-seize the dog. While facilitating the warrant deputies made contact with three other men who reside at the home: Timothy Hires, 29, Christopher King, 43, and Ryan Wood, 39. Deputies found a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and a controlled substance(s) inside the residence.

While serving the warrant, Rachel Irvin was seen by Animal Control Officers fleeing the home, getting into a vehicle, and leaving the scene. Deputies performed a traffic stop and positively identified Irvin inside the vehicle.

All four persons contacted during the issuance of the search and seizure warrant were arrested. Their charges are listed below.

The female, black and white, Pit Bull Terrier, Lola, with a distinctive white marking on her chest, is still unaccounted for. Washoe County Regional Animal Services wants to warn the public to not approach her if seen. Tips on Lola’s location may be sent anonymously to WCRAS by calling (775) 322-3647, or by emailing pets@washoecounty.gov.

Rachel Irvin, 30 (Arrested: 2/9/2022 – Posted bail 2/10/2022)

• Conspiracy to Commit Burglary – Gross Misdemeanor
• Burglary of a Business, first offense – Felony
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Misdemeanor

Ryan Wood, 39 (Arrested: 2/9/2022 – Posted bail 2/11/2022)

• Burglary of a Business, first offense – Felony
• Possession of a Scheduled I, II Controlled Substance <14g, first offense – Felony
• Possession of a Gun by a Prohibited Person - Felony
• Destroying the Property of Another, $250-$,5000 – Gross Misdemeanor
• Petit Larceny – Misdemeanor

Timothy Hires, 29 (Arrested: 2/9/2022 – Posted bail 2/14/2022)

• Possession of a Scheduled I, II Controlled Substance <14g, first offense – Felony

Christopher King, 43 (Arrested: 2/9/2022)

• Possession of a Scheduled I, II Controlled Substance <14g, first offense – Felony

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.

###