RENO, Nev. — The Reno Police Department released body camera video capturing the moments officers confronted the suspect in a deadly shooting at Grand Sierra Resort.
The footage, released on Aug. 12, shows the exchange of gunfire between officers and 26-year-old Reno resident Dakota Hawver. Police say they responded within two and a half minutes of the first reports of shots fired shortly before 7:25 a.m. on July 28.
In the edited video, an officer can be heard shouting, “Right here, right here,” before pulling into a parking lot and ordering, “Put the gun down.” Hawver is seen firing at the officers, striking a patrol car four times — twice in the windshield, once in the right front passenger tire and once in the bumper.
| SURVEY: What’s the best shift length for policing? We want your input
According to Reno Police Capt. Robert Larson, “When officers arrived on scene, the suspect immediately fired at the officers, striking a patrol vehicle. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect numerous times, stopping the threat.”
The video shows Hawver running for cover between large trucks parked at the casino. From one officer’s perspective, shell casings ricochet off a side mirror as officers return fire. Seconds later, officers call out “Hold fire” and “He’s down” before approaching with weapons drawn. Hawver, whose image is blurred in the video, is handcuffed and disarmed before officers render aid. Blood can be seen on the ground near him.
Hawver was taken to Renown Regional Medical Center, where he died from his injuries on July 31.
Shooting left three dead, others injured
Police say Hawver began the attack in the valet area of the hotel-casino, shooting five people. Three victims — Angel Martinez, 66, of Sparks; Justin Agulia, 33, of Chatsworth, California; and Andrew Canepa, 33, of Newbury Park, California — were killed.
Agulia and Canepa, in Reno for a bachelor party, were waiting for a car when they were shot from behind, according to KCRA. Martinez was shot while driving through the parking lot.
Two other victims — Matt Sitler and Kevin Weir, both from California — survived. A third injured victim from Thousand Oaks, California, was treated and released.
Chief: Quick response prevented further loss of life
Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance praised officers’ actions.
“I want to be clear, the suspect is to blame for his actions and is responsible for the tragedies he created,” Nance said in a critical incident briefing. “The bravery and response by our officers stopped the suspect’s violent rampage on innocent victims, which definitely saved lives and prevented additional people from being victimized.”
Police say Hawver was armed with several magazines of ammunition.
Investigators have found no link between Hawver and the victims or the casino. According to KCRA, he had no criminal or mental health history, and his motive remains unclear. Court records show he had been ordered to pay increased child support for his 4-year-old daughter the week before the shooting.
The Sparks Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Additional footage will be released when the investigation is complete.
