WCSO NEWS RELEASE
The Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that formal identification and next of kin notification has been completed. The decedent has been positively identified as 21-year-old Reno resident Randell Mercado. Mercado was pronounced deceased at 4:26 p.m.
The Sheriff’s M.A.I.T. investigators have determined that speed is a contributing factor in Mercado’s fatal accident. The cause of death has not been determined pending toxicology. The Medical Examiner’s Office will provide M.A.I.T. investigators with the final results upon completion.
M.A.I.T. personnel confirmed that Mercado was driving a red-colored 2001 Isuzu SUV at a high rate of speed north bound on Welcome Way when he collided with a large boulder. Due to the velocity, Mercado’s SUV traveled into the backyard of a residence located on Tucumcari Circle; no persons at this residence were injured. Mercado’s vehicle had major damage.
Anyone with information on this accident is urged to contact the Sheriff’s M.A.I.T. office at 775-328-3350.
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.
