WCSO NEWS RELEASE
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a report of a home invasion which occurred on Friday evening in the 400 block of Ohio Street in the Lemmon Valley area. Preliminary information gathered at the residence indicates that this was a random act of violence against the homeowners.
At approximately 8:41 p.m., sheriff’s deputies received an emergency call from an undisclosed victim. The victim reported that just prior to falling asleep she and her husband heard a loud noise at their door. They both went to investigate and that’s when they were confronted by an unknown white male. The suspect had forced his way in to their home through a secured door.
While inside the house, a physical confrontation ensued resulting in minor injuries to both homeowners. After a few seconds, the suspect fled on foot and the victim called the sheriff’s office.
Deputies arrived a short time later and established a perimeter around the neighborhood. Sheriff’s Office K-9 Teams responded and attempted to track the suspect but were unable to follow a good scent. Sheriff’s detectives were called out to continue the investigation. The victims were examined and treated at their residence by paramedics but not transported.
The victims describe the suspect as a white male adult possibly in his 30s, approximately 6 feet 1 inch with a slender build, shoulder length blonde hair and mustache and last seen wearing a tan Carhartt style jacket and blue jean pants.
The Sheriff’s Office is requesting help from the community in identifying the suspect. Detectives urge anyone with information on the suspect’s identity to call 775-328-3327 or provide information anonymously by calling Secret Witness at 775-322-4900.
The Sheriff’s Office believes this house was targeted as a vacant property. The Sheriff’s Office encourages the public to leave some sort of light on within the home so it will appear as if the house is occupied. This may prevent a would-be burglar from entering the dwelling. Lastly, homeowners can also apply additional locking mechanisms to their doors and windows for extra security.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office celebrated 150 years of proud service and community partnership in 2011. Sheriff Michael Haley is the 24th person elected to serve as the sheriff of Washoe County. His office continues to be the only full service public safety agency operating within northern Nevada and is responsible for operating the consolidated detention facility, regional crime lab, Northern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center, Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, court security, service of civil process and traditional street patrols.
