On a late afternoon in Reno, Nevada, on December 21, 2016, the life of 38-year-old Raymond Salaiz, a Hispanic male, came to a tragic end in an encounter with law enforcement. The events leading to this fatal outcome began to unfold around 5:18 p.m. inside the Gold Dust West Casino. A security supervisor at the casino recognized Salaiz from a Sparks Police Department bulletin that indicated he was wanted for questioning in connection with a burglary and arson case and had an active misdemeanor
warrant. The security supervisor promptly alerted the Reno Police Department.
A Reno Police officer responded to the call and met the security supervisor, who pointed out Salaiz seated at a gaming machine. The officer approached Salaiz and requested identification. Salaiz provided a false name and claimed his identification was in his vehicle, a white Dodge Avenger, parked in the southwest lot of the casino. The officer accompanied Salaiz to the vehicle to retrieve the purported identification. It was later discovered that Salaiz had been using methamphetamine for several days and had his wallet, identification, and a knife in his pocket.
As they approached the Dodge Avenger, the situation escalated dramatically. Upon reaching the vehicle, Salaiz managed to get inside and start the engine. The officer, attempting to prevent his escape, became entangled with the vehicle as Salaiz accelerated in reverse, crashing into a parked car. The officer was dragged and pinned between the open driver's side door and the car's frame. Fearing for his life as the car continued to move, the officer discharged his firearm, striking Salaiz. Following the shooting, medical aid was rendered to Salaiz at the scene, and he was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
The Washoe County District Attorney's Office conducted a thorough investigation into the officer-involved shooting. The investigation concluded that the officer's actions were justified under the circumstances. The report on the incident, released on January 18, 2018, stated that the officer acted in self-defense and that the shooting was not a criminal act. As a result, no charges were filed against the officer involved in the death of Raymond Salaiz.
