Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

WCSO Inmate Back in Custody After Walking Away from Work Crew

This morning, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 24-year-old inmate Justin Kuhns after he walked away from an inmate work crew.

On November 7, 2023, at around 10:15 a.m., Justin Kuhns walked away from an inmate work crew while they were working on a cleanup project in the area of Vista Blvd. and Prater Way.

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, along with other law enforcement partners in the region, immediately responded to the area. With the help of reporting parties, WCSO deputies were able to quickly locate Kuhns off Clean Water Way and take him into custody without incident.

Kuhns was transported back to the Washoe County Detention Facility, where he will face escape charges. Kuhns was serving a 180-day sentence for a probation violation for obtaining money under false pretenses and was due to be released on November 11, 2023. 

“I would like to thank our Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies, motors and K9 team members and our regional law enforcement partners for their rapid response in this incident. The community’s safety is always our top priority, and the ability of our region's law enforcement entities to collaborate and work together in these instances is commendable,” said Sheriff Balaam.  

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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