Reno woke up to a nightmare this morning that feels way too close to home. If you’ve been scrolling through social media or checking the local police scanners, you already know the vibe in the city is heavy right now. It’s the kind of morning where you hug your family a little tighter before heading out the door. Honestly, when the first reports of the reno news today shooting started hitting the wires, it felt like a punch to the gut for anyone who frequent the Grand Sierra Resort area.
The Chaos at the Grand Sierra Resort
It all started around 7:30 a.m. Right when the city was starting to shake off the sleep and people were grabbing their morning coffee or heading to work. A gunman, later identified by investigators as Dakota Hawver, 26, opened fire near the valet area of the Grand Sierra Resort. This isn't just some remote corner of town; it's one of the biggest hubs in Reno.
The details are honestly chilling. Hawver reportedly walked up to the valet area and pulled out a 9mm handgun.
Witnesses say the gun actually jammed or malfunctioned at first. You’d think that would be the end of it, but he managed to clear the jam and started firing into the crowd. Panic is an understatement. Michael Sisco, a guest at the hotel, described looking out his window and seeing people screaming and sprinting away from the valet stands. He saw someone collapse right next to a car. Just like that, a regular Tuesday turned into a crime scene.
Breaking Down the Timeline
- 7:30 a.m.: The first shots are fired near the valet parking area.
- 7:33 a.m.: Reno Police arrive on the scene within three minutes of the initial call.
- 7:35 a.m.: A shootout occurs between the suspect and the police after the suspect fired at a patrol vehicle.
- Shortly after: The suspect is neutralized and taken into custody in critical condition.
Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance noted that an officer was even injured by flying glass fragments during the exchange. It was fast. It was violent. And it left a permanent mark on the community.
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Who Were the Victims?
This is the part that really breaks your heart. We aren't just talking about numbers on a screen; these were people with lives and families. Two of the men killed, Justin Aguila and Andrew Canepa, were both 33 and visiting from Southern California. They were here for a bachelor party. Can you imagine? One minute you're celebrating a friend's upcoming wedding, and the next, you're caught in a tragedy while waiting for a ride to the airport.
The third victim was Angel Martinez, a 66-year-old local. He was just driving his car through the parking lot. He wasn't even part of the group at the valet; he was just in the wrong place at the absolute worst time.
Three other people were treated for minor injuries. One person was grazed on the finger, another was hurt while running for cover, and one person was treated for severe anxiety. Honestly, who wouldn't be traumatized after seeing 80 rounds fired in a public parking lot?
Why Did This Happen?
That’s the question everyone is asking, but the answers are frustratingly thin. Investigators from the Sparks Police Department, who are leading the probe to avoid a conflict of interest with Reno PD, say there’s no known connection between Hawver and the victims. He wasn't an employee. He wasn't a guest. He just showed up with multiple magazines and started shooting.
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Police found that he had legally purchased the handgun two years ago. He had no criminal record. No history of mental health issues on file.
Basically, there were no red flags that would have popped up on a standard background check. This makes the whole situation even more terrifying for locals because it feels so random. Mayor Hillary Schieve credited the "incredible, swift action" of the police for stopping the suspect before he could make his way inside the casino-hotel, where thousands of people were staying.
Security and Safety Moving Forward
If you're heading to the GSR or any of the major resorts in Reno today, expect things to look a lot different.
The valet area was roped off for hours with privacy screens blocking the view of the investigation. Security has been beefed up significantly. But the conversation isn't just about more guards. It's about how we handle public safety in a city that relies so heavily on tourism and "open" spaces.
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There's a lot of talk right now about the 80 rounds fired. That’s a massive amount of ammunition for a handgun. It suggests a level of premeditation that clashes with the "no motive" narrative we're currently getting from officials.
What You Should Do Now
If you were at the Grand Sierra Resort this morning or have any dashcam footage from the area around 7:30 a.m., the police want to talk to you. Even if you think you didn't see anything important, a small detail could be the key to figuring out why this happened.
- Contact Secret Witness: You can stay anonymous and call (775) 322-4900. There is often a reward for information that helps close these cases.
- Check Your Mental Health: If you were there, don't just "power through" it. Northern Nevada Public Health has resources for those dealing with the aftermath of community violence.
- Stay Informed: Follow official Reno Police Department social media channels for the most accurate updates. Avoid the rumor mill on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook groups, as misinformation spreads fast during a reno news today shooting event.
The investigation is still very much active. As more details come out about the shooter's background or any potential manifestos, the community will be looking for answers. For now, the city is mourning three lives cut short and hoping for the recovery of those still in the hospital.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the official Reno Police Department News Portal for the latest verified press releases regarding Case 26-577. If you or someone you know was impacted by this event, reach out to the Crisis Call Center by dialing 988 for immediate emotional support.