Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

WCSO Detectives Arrest Man on Multiple Sexual Assault, Attempted Murder Charges

On May 27, 2023, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office arrested 23-year-old Alexander Difoggio-Wasson after an incident on Mt. Rose Highway near Sky Tavern Ski Resort. An investigation revealed that Difoggio-Wasson was driving eastbound on State Route 431 (Mt. Rose Highway) with a teenage passenger and is suspected of intentionally driving off the roadway toward a cliff. The vehicle was stopped after impacting a boulder and a tree.  Following the impact, Difoggio-Wasson fled the scene. He was taken into custody south of the incident scene after a brief altercation with deputies. 

Difoggoio-Wasson was booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility on May 27^th on the following charges: 

• Battery with a Deadly Weapon
• Fleeing the Scene of an Accident
• Obstructing and Resisting Arrest

The victim was treated at a local hospital for injuries.

On May 31, 2023, Difoggio-Wasson was released on bail.

Upon further investigation, detectives determined that immediately prior to the collision, Difoggio-Wasson had sexually assaulted his teenage passenger. Evidence indicates he intentionally attempted to drive over the cliff with his victim to end both their lives.

Detectives also learned that Difoggio-Wasson is suspected to have been involved in a prior incident in December of 2022 in Incline Village with a second victim.  Detectives determined the suspect sexually assaulted a second female in a manner consistent with the May 27, 2023 assault and held his victim inside his Incline Village home for hours prior to her being freed.

On June 13, 2023, Difoggio-Wasson was arrested and booked on the following charges:

• Sexual Assault (2 counts)
• False Imprisonment (2 Counts)
• Attempted Murder (1 Count)

Difoggio-Wasson is also a person of interest in a date rape drug incident that occurred in February of 2023.

This is an ongoing investigation. Any information about Alex Difoggio-Wasson or these alleged crimes can be sent to Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900 or to Detective Hoops-Adams with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.

Detective Hoops-Adams can be contacted via phone at 775-225-0511 or Choops@washoecounty.gov.

Please reference case #WC22-6452 & WC23-2654.

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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