Latest News

Case #N/A

Type of Incident: Community Notification

Date and Time of Incident: N/A

Location: N/A

Victim: N/A

Suspect: N/A

The Regional Sex Offender Notification Unit (RSONU) is informing the general public of informational matters related to a Tier III (High Risk) sex offender.

 

Mr. Troy Leonard O'Harran, age 46, has been assessed as a Tier III offender by the State of Nevada Sex Offender Registry.  He has notified the Reno Police Department that he will be residing in the 300 block of Record Street, Reno, and is self employed.  Mr. O'Harran is in compliance with all sex offender laws, and is not wanted by law enforcement.  Mr. O'Harran is currently NOT being supervised by the State of Nevada, Department of Public Safety, Division of Parole and Probation.  You may contact them at 775-684-2300 for more information.

 

Additional information on this offender, in addition to other moderate and high risk offenders in the State of Nevada, is available at www.nvsexoffenders.gov or at www.nsopr.gov.

 

Anyone with questions about this offender can call the RSONU at 775-353-2244, Monday through Friday, 7a-5p.

Releasing Authority:  Benedetti, Tony Police Sergeant Police Patrol tbenedetti@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2241

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Attached Files:

• Troy Leonard O'Harran.jpg
• RSONU Media Admonishment Form.doc

Case #12-0910

Type of Incident: Shots fired

Date and Time of Incident: January 28, 2012 at about 11:35 p.m.

Location: 400 block of Steffanie Way

Victim: State of Nevada

Suspect: unknown; please see vehicle description below

On January 28, 2012 at about 11:35 p.m., the Sparks Police Department received several reports of shots fired in the area of the 400 block of Steffanie Way.

When officers got to the area, they did locate several expended bullet casings. It is unknown at this time if any residence was struck.

The suspect vehicle is described as a dark colored Ford Mustang convertible, possibly with a light-colored top, occupied by an unknown  number of people. It was last seen driving southbound on 4th Street.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Sparks Police Detectives at 353-2225 or Secret Witness at 322-4900.

Releasing Authority:  Krall, Peter Police Lieutenant Police Patrol pkrall@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2236

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Case #12-0683

Type of Incident: Fraud Activity

Date and Time of Incident: January 20, 2012 between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Location: not disclosed

Victim: name not released; a 93-year old Sparks resident

Suspect: unknown

On January 20, 2012 a citizen contacted the Sparks Police Department and expressed concern that she may have been the victim of fraud.

The victim, who is a 93-years old, said she received a call from a Sparks Police Department employee. The victim said the employee told her that the Department had money for her related to a previous case. In that previous case she was a victim of fraudulent activity. The Sparks Police Department has no employee with the name that was given to her.

In that initial report, the victim had received a phone call from a man claiming to be her grandson in another state. The suspect said he needed money because he had been involved in an accident.

The Sparks Police Department would like to remind citizens to be cautious of these types of calls. They often target the elderly, and the suspect will request that a check, money order or cash be sent out of state. The scam frequently will be a person calling claiming to be a relative of some sort, usually in some sort of difficult circumstance. Often, the claim is that the person is in jail or has been involved in an accident.

Releasing Authority:  Krall, Peter Police Lieutenant Police Patrol pkrall@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2236

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Case #12-499

Type of Incident: Burgalry, Conspriracy to Commit Burglary

Date and Time of Incident: 1-17-12

Location: Rainbow Market 1225 Commerce St

Victim: Rainbow Market

Suspect: GEORGE, Steven DOB 02/06/73, GEORGE, Eric DOB 02/28/12, GEORGE, Adam DOB 08/14/88, MILLER, Stacy DOB 01/08/91, ADAMS, Steve DOB 11/01/77, Female Juvenile age 17

On January 17, 2012 at approximately 0033 hrs  group of  7 subjects entered the Rainbow Market at 1225 Commerce St.,  and began removing cases of beer and and food items from the store without paying for them.  The subjects entered and exited the store a number of times taking over $600 worth of merchandise without paying and loaded  it into their car.  The theft appeared to be coordinated and planned in advance.  The clerk called 911 while the theft was in progress, however the suspects left the area before officers arrived and could not be located. 

On January 20, 20 Sparks Police Officers conducting follow up investigation were able to identify and locate 6 of the subjects (5 adults and 1 Juvenile) involved in the theft.  The subjects were interviewed and transported to the Washoe County Jail where they were booked on Burglary and Conspiracy to Commit Burglary charges. Durining the investigation it was found that the sujects had all recently moved to Sparks from out of the area and were living together in an apartment near the Rainbow Market.

There are no further details at this time.

Releasing Authority:  Thomas, Erick Police Lieutenant Police Patrol ethomas@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2236

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Case #n/a

Type of Incident: vehicle

Date and Time of Incident: 01 13 2012 0915hrs

Location: rock sb/i80

SB rock bl at i80 is now open after being closed due to the accident.

 

Thank you!

Releasing Authority:  Nabong, Melissa Emergency Comm Dispatcher Communications Center mnabong@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2231

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Type of Incident: TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

Date and Time of Incident: 11/13/12 0828

Location: ROCK/I80

AVOID THE AREA OF ROCK SOUTHBOUND AT I80 DUE TO A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

Releasing Authority:  Howard, Lori Emergency Comm Dispatcher Communications Center lhoward@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2231

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Type of Incident: DUI Saturation Patrols

Date and Time of Incident: December 16, 2011 to January 1, 2012

Location: City Wide

The Sparks Police Department joined with other local agencies in an aggressive DUI enforcement campaign over the Christmas and New Years Eve holidays.  All of the local agencies added additional officers to the streets to conduct DUI saturation patrols in the hopes that they can find and arrest any impaired drivers before they are involved in a traffic collision.  The additional officers were funded by grants that were provided to the agencies by the Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety. 

Officers focused the majority of their efforts on New Years Eve. The following are the results of their efforts.

• 6 DUI Arrests
• 5 Car Seat Citations
• 1 Seat Belt Citation
• 10 Speeding Citations
• 11 Suspended/Revoked Drivers License Citations
• 6 No Insurance Citations
• 1 Reckless Driving Citation
• 27 Citations for Miscellaneous Traffic Violations
• 20 Warnings for Miscellaneous Traffic Violations  

Impaired driving is one of America's most often committed and deadliest crimes.  In 2009, 68 people were killed in Nevada traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.  In the City of Sparks we had five fatal traffic crashes reported in 2011, four of which involved alcohol.

Releasing Authority:  Dyer, Pat Police Sergeant Police Patrol pdyer@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2432

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Case #12-33

Type of Incident: Armed Robbery

Date and Time of Incident: 01/02/2012 @ 0146 hours

Location: 5212 Sparks Blvd.

Victim: Dad's Quick Mart

Suspect: Unknown White Male 20-25 year of age

On 01/02/2012 at approximately 0146 hours, Sparks Police Officers were dispatched to 5212 Sparks Blvd., Dad’s Quick Mart, on a report of an armed robbery.  The suspect was armed with a hand gun and took an undisclosed amount of money.  The suspect left on foot prior to police arrival. 

The suspect is described as being a white male adult, 20 to 25 years of age.  At the time of the robbery he was wearing a black hoodie sweat shirt with blue jeans and a black bandana around his face. 

Video of the robbery is currently being reviewed by Sparks Police Detectives.  It is unknown at this time if this robbery is related to the recent robberies in Reno and Washoe County.

Sparks Police is asking anyone with any knowledge of the robbery to contact Detectives at 775-353-2225 or to contact Secret Witness.

Releasing Authority:  Cleveland, Marlene Police Sergeant Police Patrol mcleveland@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2225

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Case #12-00025

Type of Incident: Domestic Battery

Date and Time of Incident: January 1, 2012 at about 6:55 p.m.

Location: 2200 block of Lexington Way

Victim: name not released

Suspect: name not released

On January 1, 2012 at about 6:55 p.m., a female came to the Sparks Police Department to report a domestic battery which had occurred inside a home in the 2200 block of Lexington Way.

After officers finished interviewing her, they believed they had probable cause to arrest the male for domestic battery. Officers went to the home in the 2200 block of Lexington Way to attempt contact with the male. When they knocked on the door, the male answered the door with a handgun in his hand.

After a brief conversation at the door, the male slammed the door shut. Officers heard what they believed to be a single gunshot and they retreated. A search warrant for the residence was obtained, and based on the circumstances, the department SWAT team was called out to serve the warrant.

SWAT team personnel served the warrant and when they entered the home, they found the male deceased of an apparent gunshot wound.

 

The name of the male and female are not being released at this time.

Releasing Authority:  Krall, Peter Police Lieutenant Police Patrol pkrall@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2236

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Case #12-00015

Type of Incident: Domestic Battery with Substantial Bodily Harm with use of a deadly weapon; Convicted Person Failing to Register

Date and Time of Incident: January 1, 2012 at 1230 hours

Location: 2500 block of D St

Victim: name withheld

Suspect: Nickolas John Lewis (DOB 02/29/80); 31 year old Sparks resident

On January 1, 2012 Sparks Police were called to an apartment in the 2500 block of D St. on a report of a domestic battery. When they arrived, they found two persons with stab wounds inside the apartment.

During the investigation, officers learned that an argument had occurred between the occupants of the apartment. Officers determined the suspect to be Nickolas John Lewis. The victim had stab wounds and a possible human bite mark on her face. The suspect also had stab wounds, which the officers determined were inflicted by the female in self-defense.

Medics were called to the scene, and both the suspect and victim were taken to Renown Medical Center for treatment of injuries. Lewis was later arrested and charged with domestic battery causing substantial bodily harm with use of a deadly weapon, being a convicted person failing to register an address, and obstructing an officer. He may also face charges in California as he has an extraditable warrant there. The warrant appears to be related to a parole violation on a previous charge of domestic violence. Further investigation is being conducted on the warrant.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Sparks Police detectives at 353-2225 or Secret Witness at 322-4900.

 

Releasing Authority:  Krall, Peter Police Lieutenant Police Patrol pkrall@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2236

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Attached Files:

• Nickolas John Lewis.jpg

Case #11-12051

Type of Incident: Shooting

Date and Time of Incident: 12/31/2011 @ 0246 hours

Location: 2244 Greenbrae

Victim: Robinson, Benjamin a 28 year old Reno resident

Suspect: Withheld

On 12/31/2011 at approximately 0246 hours, Sparks Police Officers responded to 2244 Greenbrae, the Sierra Woods Apartments, on a report of gunshots.  When officers arrived on scene, they located the victim, later identified as Benjamin Robinson, a Reno resident.  Robinson was suffering form a gunshot wound to the upper right chest area.  Officers also located the individual who shot Robinson and several witnesses to the shooting.

Robinson was transported by Remsa to Renown Medical Center where he is currently in critical condition.  Sparks Police Detectives are investigating the shooting and all individuals involved are cooperating with the investigation.

Sparks Police Detectives are asking anyone with any knowledge of the shooting to please contact them at 775-353-2225 or to contact Secret Witness.

Releasing Authority:  Cleveland, Marlene Police Sergeant Police Patrol mcleveland@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2225

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Case #11-11994

Type of Incident: Attempted Murder

Date and Time of Incident: 12/28/11 @ 2120

Location: 1100 15th St

Victim: Carthagena, Jason

Suspect: 17 yr old male

Case #11-11994

Type of Incident: Battery with a Deadly Weapon

Date and Time of Incident: 12/28/11 2120 hrs

Location: 1100 15th St

Victim: Carthagena, Jason 32 yr old male-Sparks Resident

Suspect: 4 males teenagers wearing dark colored hoodies

On 12/28/22 at approximately 2120 hrs, Sparks Police Officers responded to an apartment complex located at 1100 15th St on a report of shots fired.  When officers arrived on scene they found the victim, Jason CARTHAGENA, lying unconscious in the parking lot with a gunshot wound to the neck.   Officers interviewed witnesses at the scene who reported that 4 teenage males wearing dark colored hoodies were seen fleeing the area shortly after the shots were heard.  Officers searched the area but were unable to locate any suspects.  

The victim was transported by REMSA to Renown where he is currently be treated for a serious injury to his neck.  The full extent of his injuries are not known at this time.  The Sparks Police Department is continuing to investigate this incident and would like to ask that any one with any information contact the Spark Police Department Detective Section at 353-2225, Sparks Dispatch at 353-2231, or Secret Witness at 322-4900.

Updated information:

The Sparks Police Department Detective Division and the Regional Gang Unit identified, located, and interviewed the four teenage males that were seen fleeing the complex after the shooting. Detectives were able to determine that the males were involved in the incident. One of the males, a 17 year old juvenile was arrested for the shooting. Due to the nature of the crime, the juvenile was booked at the Washoe County Jail for the charges of Attempted Murder, Battery with a Deadly Weapon, and Carrying a Concealed Weapon. His name is not being released due to his juvenile status. 

The investigation revealed that the victim felt the subjects were acting suspicious and loitering in the complex. The victim asked the subjects to leave and an altercation insued. The suspect removed a handgun he had concealed on his person and shot the victim. Detectives believe the teenage males are associated to a local criminal street gang; however, this incident may not be gang motivated.

The victim has undergone several surgeries and remains in critical condition. There is no further information to be released at this time.

Anyone with information is still encouraged to call the Sparks Police Department Detective Division at 353-2225 or Secret Witness at 322-4900.

Releasing Authority:  Leary, Aaron Police Sergeant Detective Police aleary@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2225

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Case #11-11994

Type of Incident: Battery with a Deadly Weapon

Date and Time of Incident: 12/28/11 2120 hrs

Location: 1100 15th St

Victim: Carthagena, Jason 32 yr old male-Sparks Resident

Suspect: 4 males teenagers wearing dark colored hoodies

On 12/28/22 at approximately 2120 hrs, Sparks Police Officers responded to an apartment complex located at 1100 15th St on a report of shots fired.  When officers arrived on scene they found the victim, Jason CARTHAGENA, lying unconscious in the parking lot with a gunshot wound to the neck.   Officers interviewed witnesses at the scene who reported that 4 teenage males wearing dark colored hoodies were seen fleeing the area shortly after the shots were heard.  Officers searched the area but were unable to locate any suspects.  

The victim was transported by REMSA to Renown where he is currently be treated for a serious injury to his neck.  The full extent of his injuries are not known at this time.  The Sparks Police Department is continuing to investigate this incident and would like to ask that any one with any information contact the Spark Police Department Detective Section at 353-2225, Sparks Dispatch at 353-2231, or Secret Witness at 322-4900.

Releasing Authority:  Thomas, Erick Police Lieutenant Police Patrol ethomas@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2236

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Case #11-11870

Type of Incident: Shooting into Occupied Building

Date and Time of Incident: December 24, 2011 at 11:54 p.m.

Location: 1701 E. Prater Way

Victim: State of Nevada

Suspect: Bennett, Justin Michael (DOB 09-29-1975)

 

 

On December 24, 2011 at about 11:55 p.m., an unknown suspect or suspects fired several rounds at the building which houses the Sparks Police Department at 1701 E. Prater Way.

At least one officer was in the secured parking lot of the building and heard the shots being fired. Several rounds struck the building, and at least one entered the building through the lobby area. No persons were injured in the incident.

A possible suspect vehicle is an early 1990's Toyota pickup truck with a regular cab. Officers were able to gather evidence, and the investigation is ongoing.

****************************************************UPDATED INFORMATION***************************************************************************

There is a second vehicle which appears in surveillance video. That vehicle is described as a larger pickup truck or SUV, possibly with four doors. The vehicle has two-tone paint, with a light color on the upper portion of the vehicle and a darker color on the lower portion.

**************************UPDATED INFORMATION****************************************

Copies of video surveillance from this incident will be available at our front desk.

Releasing Authority:  Krall, Peter Police Lieutenant Police Patrol pkrall@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2236

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Case #11-11702

Type of Incident: Death Investigation

Date and Time of Incident: 12-19-11 at 7:40 a.m.

Location: 500 block of Galletti Way

Victim: Unidentified 69 year old female

Suspect: N/A

Follow up to previous news release from 12-19-11:

At this time, SPD does not have additional details for release. Investigators are awaiting the results of an initial autopsy this morning before releasing any information. Sgt. Woyciehowsky will be available to meet with reporters at 11:00 a.m. today for those needing an on camera interview.

Releasing Authority:  Woyciehowsky, Greta Police Sergeant Detective Police gwoyciehowsky@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2225

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Case #NA

Type of Incident: SPD Senior Phone Patrol Christmas Luncheon

Date and Time of Incident: Saturday December 17 at 12 Noon

Location: 1701 E. Prater Way, Sparks

Victim: NA

Suspect: NA

The Sparks Police Department will hold its Senior Phone Patrol Christmas Luncheon this Saturday, December 17, 2011, at 12:00p.m. in the Department Training room, located at 1701 E. Prater Way.

 

This event is being held for the 37 Sparks senior citizens currently enrolled in the Sparks Police Department’s Senior Phone Patrol program. There will be Christmas Carolers and a visit from Santa himself, with presents for every senior citizen. Lunch will be served, courtesy of Carolina’s Kitchen in Sparks. 

The Senior Phone Patrol is a free program for senior citizens residing in Sparks who prefer their independent living, or may not have family in the immediate area. Every day, the system automatically calls every senior citizen in the program to check their welfare. If the citizen does not personally answer the call, the system alerts police staff who then take necessary steps to locate and ensure the citizen’s well being. Lives have been saved because of this valuable program.       

If you or someone you know might be interested in this valuable program, go to www.sparkspd.com or contact the Spark's Police Department Front Desk at 353-2248 for more information or to enroll.

 

Releasing Authority:  Miller, Tom Police Lieutenant Police Administration tmiller@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2220

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Case #N/A

Type of Incident: Sparks Police Department Annual Awards Ceremony

Date and Time of Incident: Thursday, December 15,2011 at 10:00 AM

Location: John Ascuaga's Nugget, Rose Ballroom B

Victim: N/A

Suspect: N/A

The Sparks Police Department will be holding its annual Department Awards Ceremony this Thursday, December 15th at 10:00 AM. The event will be held at John Ascuaga's Nugget, Rose Ballroom B, located at 1100 Nugget Avenue in Sparks. 

The Department will honor both sworn and non-sworn personnel, as well as citizens from the Community, for their actions during 2011. Awards include Sworn and Non-Sworn Employee of the Year, Medal of Valor, Lifesaving Award, Medal of Meritorious Service, DIstinguished Service Award, Certificate of Commendation and the Certificate of Appreciation.

The public is invited to attend, and refreshments will be served.

For more information, call 353-2248.

Releasing Authority:  Miller, Tom Police Lieutenant Police Administration tmiller@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2220

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Case #11-11522

Type of Incident: Domestic Disturbance

Date and Time of Incident: 12-13-11 3:10 a.m.

Location: 834 Rock Blvd

Victim: Ashley Runge

Suspect: Zachary McGee

On December 13 at approximately 3:10 a.m. the Sparks Police Department responded to the report of a domestic disturbance at 834 Rock Blvd.  Dispatch received a 911 call from the residence with the sounds of a violent domestic disturbance in the background.  The line was then disconnected.

When officers arrived on scene a distraught female exited the residence with a shotgun.  The female relinquished the firearm and was interviewed by officers.  The female indicated a domestic disturbance had occurred, and the male half was still in the house also armed with a gun.  The female indicated the male, later identified as Zachary McGee, had made suicidal comments while she was in the house.

Officers attempted to make contact with McGee; however, he would not respond.  The Sparks SWAT Team as well as negotiators responded; however, McGee still would not respond to any attempts to speak with him.

The Consolidated Bomb Unit was called to the scene, and one of their robots was used to search the inside of the residence.  Ultimately the other firearm was located in the house, and McGee was located in a back bedroom.  

McGee was taken into custody and has been booked for one count of interruption of 911 and for an existing warrant for his arrest. 

Releasing Authority:  Miller, Brian Police Lieutenant Police Patrol bmiller@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2239

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Case #n/a

Type of Incident: n/a

Date and Time of Incident: 12-13-11 0808

Location: Rock/G

Victim: n/a

Suspect: n/a

Rock Bl is open between G and I

Releasing Authority:  Wagner, Denise Emergency Comm Dispatcher Communications Center dwagner@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2231

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)

Case #NA

Type of Incident: NA

Date and Time of Incident: NA

Location: ROCK/G

Victim: NA

Suspect: NA

ROCK BL IS CURRENTLY CLOSED BETWEEN G ST AND I ST DUE TO POLICE ACTIVITY

Releasing Authority:  Brown, David Emergency Comm Dispatcher Communications Center dbrown@cityofsparks.us 775-353-2231

Useful Info and Links:

• Find Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on Twitter
• Secret Witness See A Crime, Call the Line 775-322-4900 (Remain Anonymous)