Reno Police Department Burglary Detectives have been working on Secret Witness tips that they have received in connection with a vehicle burglary that occurred at a parking garage in downtown Reno on 27 July 2014.   The Detective working the case has learned that another female was involved in the theft of the victim’s credit cards and other items from the vehicle burglary.  The person of interest in the case has been identified as 29 year old Patricia Pinna DOB 02/15/85. 

Pinna is also a person of interest in a Washoe County Sheriff’s Office case where it is believed that the 29 year old fled from Deputies in a stolen green Honda passenger car earlier this month.

Detectives with the Reno Police Department and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office would like to speak with Pinna about these incidents.

Anyone having information as to the whereabouts of Patricia Pinna or information related to this crime are asked to please contact the Reno Police Department at 334-2115, Secret Witness at 322-4900, www.secretwitness.com, or text the tip to 847411 (TIP 411) keyword – SW

RPD Case # 14-14200

WCSO Case # 14-4546

 

Shortly before 530 pm on 21 August, 2014 Reno Police Officers were called to St Mary’s ER on the report of inappropriate sexual conduct between an employee and a 19 year old female patient.  Upon their arrival it was determined that Sex Crimes Detectives would handle the investigation.  The investigation resulted in the arrest of a hospital employee identified as 32 year old Bryan Samson DOB 11/14/81 for one count of Sexual Assault.

Anyone having additional information about the defendant in this case or other incidents related to this crime are asked to contact the Reno Police Department at (775) 657-4601, Secret Witness at 322-4900, www.secretwitness.com, or text the tip to 847411 (TIP 411) keyword – SW

RPD Case #14-15971

 

During the months of July and August the Reno Police Department Crime Analysis Unit has statistically seen bicycle thefts double in Reno compared to the rest of the year.  Unfortunately there has not been any one contributing factor as to why there is such an increase in thefts of bicycles during this time.  As the increase in bicycle thefts occur, so do the stolen bicycle reports.

Citizens who do become victims of bicycle thefts need to have their bicycle serial number available for Officers or Community Service Officers when filling a stolen bicycle report as Evidence Technicians cannot release a bicycle merely because someone says it belongs to them.   Reno Police Department Evidence Technicians Sara Kist and Cole Lindstrom have almost 90 stolen bicycles in storage that will eventually be sold at auction.  .

Over the last year and a half the City of Reno has auctioned off over 100 bicycles.  One of the bicycles that were sold at auction had a retail value of almost $2,500 and was auctioned for $900. A portion of money received from the sale of the bicycles goes to equipment for the Reno Police Department. 

Bicycle riders need to properly secure their bike with adequate chains, cables, and or locks, and write down the bicycles serial number.  Bicycle serial numbers will normally be located on one of five different locations on a bike.  Those areas are either under the crank, on the headset, on the rear sway, seat downtube next to the crank or on top of the crank. Bicycle riders are also reminded to wear a helmet, share the road with others, and follow all the new State of Nevada bicycle laws. 

Stay up to date on local events and Reno Police Departments continued efforts to improve the city and community engagement efforts by liking the Department on our Facebook and following us on Twitter.

 

The investigations stemmed from reports by the residents from 2012 until August of this year where residents had discovered cash or other valuables missing.

As the investigation progressed it was discovered that one of the house keeper at the facility was possibly a suspect.  When Detectives spoke with the house keeper, she admitted to have stolen from the elderly residents in 2012 and from the August 1, 2014 incident.  The house keeper was arrested for two counts of Burglary, two counts of Grand Larceny with both charges having elderly enhancements.  Arrested was Reno resident Sherry Sjostrom (05/04/62).

Reno Police Detectives are asking for anyone with information about these crimes or others related to the defendant to please contact the Reno Police Department at (775) 334-2144 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900 or by text at 847-411.

RPD Case #    12-11231
                        14-14603

Reno Police Burglary Detectives are investigating two burglaries that occurred at the Summit Sierra Mall located at 13951 S Virginia St, Reno, NV involving a black male and female in their mid 20’s.   The first incident occurred at the Game Stop at the Summit Sierra mall at about 5:30 pm on 20 July, 2014 when the two suspects were caught on security video sealing numerous games and two game controllers. 

The second incident occurred at 2:15 pm at the Apple Store also located in the Summit Sierra Mall.  During that incident, the black male from the Game Stop burglary was observed on security surveillance inside the business stealing numerous cell phones and then exiting the store.  The black male exited the store and got into an Older Red Volvo passenger car with partial California plates of E4W.

The male suspect is between 5’8” and 5’10” tall, weights between 165 and 180 pounds, and in both incidents was caught on security camera’s wearing blue tennis shoes.  The female suspect is between 5’6” and 5’8” tall, weighing between 200 and 250 pounds, long dark braided hair, tiger stripped tights and was carrying a large purse.  The female was also seen in the Game Stop surveillance video wearing a “cheese head” hat over her long braided hair.

The Reno Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating these two suspects.  Citizens are asked to contact the Reno Police Department at (775) 657-4767 or Secret Witness at 322-4900 or by text at 847-411.

RPD Case # 14-104622 14-13793

At about 10:15 am on 11 August, 2014 a Washoe County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to make a traffic stop on a black Ford Mustang in the area of 4th Street and Vine in Reno.  The vehicle, which was later discovered to have been stolen out of Sparks earlier in the day, fled from the Deputy at a high rate of speed southbound on Vine St.  The vehicle ran a stop sign at the intersection of Vine and 1st Street, and was struck on the passenger side by a silver Jeep Cherokee that was traveling eastbound on 1st Street. Both vehicles ended up in a yard of a residence at the intersection with the occupants of the Ford being trapping inside.  Reno Fire and REMSA personnel responded and had to extricate two men from the stolen vehicle.  Both male occupants of the Ford and the male driver of the Jeep were transported to a local hospital.  The driver of the Jeep is listed in stable condition with non- life threatening injuries, but the passenger from the stolen vehicle is currently listed in critical condition. Their names are being withheld at this time as the investigation continues.  The driver of the stolen vehicle was treated and released from the hospital for minor injuries.  He was identified Jerry Ruch (04/29/72) who was placed into custody and charged with Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle.  He is currently at the Washoe County Jail being held on $20,000 bail. Due to the events leading up to the accident and its severity, the Reno Police Department Traffic Division responded and is conducting the stolen vehicle and accident investigation.    Anyone who witnessed the accident or who may have additional information is asked to please contact the Reno Police Department Traffic Division at (775) 745-0069, or Secret Witness at 322-4900 or by text at 847-411. RPD Case     #14-15330 RPD Case     #14-15329 WCSO Case #14-4509 SPD Case     #14-7457  

Shortly before 7 am on Wednesday August 6, 2014 Reno Police Officers were dispatched to the Money Tree located at 2905 Clear Acre Lane, Reno, NV on the report of a robbery that had occurred inside the business.  Reno Police Robbery Detectives were advised by clerks who work at the business that shortly after arriving to work two black males robbed them at gunpoint.  The suspects demanded the employees to open the safe and after obtaining a substantial amount of money, the two suspects bound the employees and put them in a closet.  The suspects fled the business in an unknown make and model possibly white colored sedan.

The first black male is described as being approximately 5’7” weighing 175-180 pounds, dressed in all black, black bandanna and beanie, armed with the handgun, scar below left eye.  The second black male is described as being 6’0”, weighing approximately 170 pounds, and was last seen wearing a black hoodie and jeans, with a black bandanna.

Anyone with information about this incident or the identity of the suspects is asked to contact the Reno Police Department at (775) 334-2140 or Secret Witness at (775) 332-4900 or text the tip to 847411 (TIP 411) keyword – SW.

RPD Case # 14-14960

With evening temperatures staying warmer the Reno Police Department has seen a significant increase in citizen complaints of illegal street racing in South Reno.  The Reno Police Department has a no tolerance policy and wants to remind those who actively participate in these non-sanctioned events of the possible consequences.

Participants in illegal street racing will be either cited or possibly arrested. They could also face fines up to $1000 for the first offense, ordered to perform community service, and have their driver’s license suspended.  If you are involved in an accident while illegal street racing you can face additional charges depending on the circumstances. 

In a recent release from the Nevada Department of Transportation the Reno, Sparks and Washoe County area has seen a 100% increase in fatal accidents.  In the first half of 2014 there have already been 22 citizens killed in accidents versus 11 in the first half of 2013.  Washoe County was among eight Nevada counties that have seen an increase in traffic accident fatalities during the first half of 2014. 

Citizens are also reminded with school starting soon to slow down, share the road with motorcycles and bicyclists and buckle up.  

To report illegal street racing in your area please call the non emergency line of the Reno Police Dispatch at (775) 334-2677.

On Sunday morning 27 July 2014 Reno Police Officers responded to a parking garage in downtown Reno to meet with a female who had her vehicle burglarized while she was at a casino.  While speaking with Officers the female informed them that she had numerous items stolen from the vehicle including a credit card which had been used at several local businesses by the suspect.

Burglary Detectives with the Reno Police Department were able to get photographs of a white female suspect related to the vehicle burglary.  The female is in her late 20’s to early 30’s with long brown hair and is possibly driving a dark green 4 door passenger car.  The female suspect was possibly assisted by two other unknown females.

Anyone having information relating to this crime or the suspect(s) should contact the Reno Police Department at 334-2115, Secret Witness at 322-4900, www.secretwitness.com, or text the tip to 847411 (TIP 411) keyword – SW

The Reno Police Department would like to remind citizens to lock their vehicles and secure their valuables out of site when parking for an extended period of time.

 

This last week Reno was filled with thousands of people enjoying classic cars, a little nostalgia, and various events for Hot August Nights.

“We are ecstatic to report that arrests for Hot August Nights are down 40 percent from 2013,” says City of Reno Special Events Program Manager Alexis Hill. “This is just one example of how well run Hot August Nights is; and the cohesive partnership that has been formed between their staff volunteers, the Downtown Casinos and the City of Reno.”

The City of Reno’s final statistics for the 2014 Hot August Nights have been collected and are as follows:

City of Reno’s Community Safety and Service Team (CSAST) statistics:

• 19 downtown businesses were visited and all of them were in compliance. The main goals of the operation were to address education to businesses in lighting, signs and overall observance with the City’s SafeScape initiatives for downtown.

Reno Police Department statistics (these numbers do not include warnings):

• Total Arrests: 14
• Misdemeanor Citations: 1
• Civil Protective Custody: 7

Charges:

• Possession of Controlled Substance: 1
• Open Container Alcohol: 3
• Warrant Arrest (theft): 1
• Panhandling:  4
• Felony DUI (3rd offense):  1
• Domestic Battery:  1
• Trespassing:  2
• Urinating in Public:  1

The 2013 Reno Police Department statistics were (these numbers do not include warnings):

• Total Arrests: 24
• Misdemeanor Citations: 4
• Civil Protective Custody: 7

“Hot August Nights continues to improve their event, attracting more families and car enthusiasts to their downtown venue,”  said the Reno Police Department’s Lt. Rob VanDiest.  “Because of the incredibly friendly and cooperative crowds, RPDattributes this to the decrease in arrests for this years event.”  

The City of Reno strives to enhance the community’s quality of life by promoting a sustainable and vibrant economy. Supporting regional and local special events is just one example. For more information, visit Reno.gov/Events.

Background: On April 16, 2014, the Reno City Council approved $40,000 in in-kind sponsorship for City services for Hot August Nights, which covers the costs associated with public safety, traffic control, and city personnel. This is the fourth consecutive year the City has partnered with Hot August Nights, reducing City service costs.

CSAST was created to ensure departments within the City work collectively with business and property owners. The team consists of representatives from the Reno Police Department, Code Enforcement, Business License, Reno Fire Department, and other agencies as needed.