WCSO NEWS RELEASE
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a stolen vehicle incident that occurred in south Reno at approximately 7:10 a.m. today. The vehicle had been left running in the victim’s driveway at the time it was stolen.
The vehicle’s owner contacted 911 and attempted to follow the stolen vehicle to help direct responding law enforcement officers. The suspect then abandoned the stolen vehicle in the area of Stoneybrook Drive and fled on foot.
Washoe County Sheriff’s deputies established a perimeter and began to search the area with assistance from RAVEN, the Nevada Highway Patrol and the Washoe County School District Police Department. Two Washoe County School District elementary schools, Marvin Picollo and Elizabeth Lenz, were placed under a Code Yellow alert during the search. Bishop Manogue High School also established a Code Yellow Lockout while the search was active.
Deputies were unable to locate the suspect, who is described as a white male in his mid 30s of medium build and with a shaved head. Suspect was wearing a black knit cap, gray hooded sweatshirt and baggy pants. Anyone with information is asked to call (775) 328-3001.
Vehicle thefts of this nature are not uncommon during the winter months and are easily preventable. The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind vehicle owners that they should never leave a vehicle unattended, with the engine turned on.
Washoe County residents may stay informed on public safety issues by visiting the Staying Safe page on WashoeSheriff.com, signing up for the Sheriff’s monthly Community Partnership Connection e-newsletter, or via Twitter by following: @WashoeSheriff.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office celebrated 150 years of proud service and community partnership in 2011. Sheriff Michael Haley is the 25th 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, traditional street patrols and Regional Animal Services.
