Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

Burglary Investigation Leads to Arrest by WCSO Deputies

During the late hours of March 20, 2024, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to an address on Ponderosa Drive on a report of a residential burglary in progress.

When deputies arrived on the scene, they spoke with the homeowner, who stated they had woken up to find an unknown male inside their residence. The homeowner confronted the intruder, who then fled out of the back door of the residence.

Deputies began an immediate search of the area and were hailed by another nearby homeowner, who directed them to a shed in the backyard of a residence on Delaware Court.

The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Wesley Malek, was found inside the shed and taken into custody by deputies without incident. Malek was booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility on two felony counts of residential burglary.

Further investigation by deputies revealed that Malek had entered the residence through the dog door.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office would like to remind all residents to lock their garage man doors and dog doors before leaving their houses or going to bed at night. Additionally, please remain vigilant, watch for any suspicious activity in your neighborhood, and report it to law enforcement immediately.

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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