Reno Police Release Footage from Deadly Casino Shootout That Killed Three

The Reno Police Department released body cam footage from a shooting outside of a casino that took the lives of three innocent bystanders.

The tragic incident occurred at the Grand Sierra Resort’s valet parking area on July 28. Dakota Hawver, 26, pulled out a pistol and, after it initially malfunctioned, indiscriminately fired into a crowd of nearby people. 

The attack killed three people, two from Southern California, and injured another three.

Details of the incident

The police’s footage was released on Tuesday, Aug. 12, about two weeks after the incident.

“The investigation is ongoing, and a thorough review will be conducted before any determination is made,” an unnamed officer said during an introduction to the footage.  

After opening fire into the crowd, the suspect fled on foot. He encountered an armed casino security guard nearby, which caused him to run again shortly before he was intercepted by the police.

The edited video showed an office shouting “Right here! Right here!” before pulling into a parking lot and ordering a man to drop their weapon. Hawver wheeled and fired four rounds into the patrol car before retreating to cover behind nearby trucks, at which time a shootout commenced.

About 30 seconds after the officers opened fire on the suspect, a call from their radio ordered them to cease fire, stating they had hit and incapacitated the gunman.

Hawver was promptly taken to Renown Regional Medical Center. He was in critical condition for three days before he succumbed to his injuries on July 31.

Why did this happen?

Investigators haven’t determined a motive for the attack or a connection to any of the victims of the shooting.

Those who were lost in the attacks were Justin Aguila and Andrew Canepa, both 33 from California. They were both fatally shot from behind while waiting for a ride to the airport, police confirmed.

Angel Martinez, who lived in the Reno area, was shot and killed while driving his vehicle through the casino’s parking lot. Police said that the shooter had been hiding behind a parked car when Martinez drove by.

Two other people were wounded and are still in the hospital, though they are expected to make full recoveries. A third victim was treated for anxiety on scene.

An investigation revealed that the shooter fired about 80 9mm rounds from a weapon he had legally purchased two years prior. He did not have a criminal history or documented records of mental health issues. 

The Grand Sierra Resort is the largest casino in Reno. It is a popular destination for California travelers since it is near the state border.