RENO, Nev. — The Reno Police Department has made public body camera footage from the moments when officers engaged with a shooting suspect outside the Grand Sierra Resort. Released on August 12, the video shows the rapid response of law enforcement to an incident that left three people dead and several others injured.
Officers arrived at the scene within approximately two and a half minutes of receiving the first emergency calls about gunfire, which erupted shortly before 7:25 a.m. on July 28. The footage depicts a tense exchange of gunfire between police and Dakota Hawver, a 26-year-old resident of Reno.
In the video, an officer is heard directing Hawver to drop his weapon before shots are exchanged. Hawver is seen firing at the officers, hitting a patrol car multiple times. According to Reno Police Captain Robert Larson, officers returned fire, striking Hawver several times and neutralizing the threat.
As the video progresses, Hawver can be seen seeking shelter between trucks parked at the resort. Shell casings can be seen ricocheting off a nearby vehicle as officers return fire. After the situation is under control, officers approach Hawver with their weapons drawn and quickly handcuff him. The footage reveals blood on the ground nearby.
Hawver was subsequently transported to Renown Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries on July 31. Authorities report that he initiated the violence in the valet area of the casino, targeting five individuals. Among those killed were three victims: Angel Martinez, 66, from Sparks; Justin Agulia, 33, from Chatsworth, California; and Andrew Canepa, 33, from Newbury Park, California. Agulia and Canepa were in the area for a bachelor party and were shot from behind while they waited for their car. Martinez was struck while driving through the parking lot.
Two additional victims, Matt Sitler and Kevin Weir, both from California, survived the attack. Another wounded individual from Thousand Oaks, California, received treatment and was later discharged.
Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance commended her officers for their prompt action, asserting that their bravery played a crucial role in mitigating further loss of life. “The suspect is responsible for his actions and the tragedies he created,” Nance said. “The quick response by our officers prevented additional lives from being endangered.”
Authorities confirmed that Hawver was equipped with several ammunition magazines during the incident. Investigation revealed no prior connection between him and the victims or the casino. Court documents indicated that Hawver had recently been ordered to pay increased child support for his young daughter, but his motive for the shooting remains unclear.
The Sparks Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation, with support from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Additional footage is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.