For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1700013 |
| Date Issued: | Mar 03, 2017 - 12:51pm |
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Washoe County Sheriff's Office updates officer involved shooting investigation - search continues |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
Detectives with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office and Sparks Police Department continue to investigate an officer involved shooting that occurred last night on Kietzke Lane in Reno.
At approximately 9:40 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2017, officers with the Reno Police Department initiated at traffic stop on Kietzke Lane just north of Peckham Lane.
According to what investigators have learned, as officers contacted the vehicle occupants, at least one shot was fired from the vehicle injuring one of the Reno Police officers. Two males then exited the vehicle. Shots were fired, one of the suspects was injured and the other fled on foot.
The injured Reno Police Officer and suspect were both transported to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect was declared deceased at the hospital. The officer is reported to be in stable condition.
Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies continue to search for the second occupant of the vehicle. He has been identified as Erick Bernal, age 17. Bernal is described as a male Hispanic, 5 feet 8 inches tall and approximately 135 pounds with shaved hair. A photo of Bernal is attached to this press release.
Bernal is considered a public safety risk. Anyone who knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact 911 immediately.
The Washoe County Regional Officer Involved Shooting Protocol has been activated and the Sheriff's Office is the lead agency. Anyone with information that may assist this investigation is asked to call the Washoe County Sheriff's Office at (775) 328-3320 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900.
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.