In the late autumn of 2014, the life of 33-year-old Robert William Hampton III came to a tragic end on a street in Reno, Nevada. Originally from California, Hampton was the subject of a narcotics investigation by a specialized unit of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. On November 5, 2014, detectives orchestrated a controlled purchase of heroin from Hampton in the parking lot of the Grand Sierra Resort, carried out by a confidential informant.
Following this transaction, law enforcement officers began to tail Hampton's vehicle, intending to gather more intelligence about his activities.
The surveillance took a decisive turn when detectives learned that Hampton was carrying a significant quantity of heroin in his car. This information prompted the decision to initiate a traffic stop. A marked patrol unit, driven by a Washoe County Sheriff's deputy, pulled Hampton over for a traffic violation near the University of Nevada, Reno. A routine check of Hampton's identification revealed three active felony warrants for his arrest out of California. As the deputy attempted to take him into custody, Hampton refused to comply with orders to turn off his vehicle.
The situation escalated rapidly as Hampton attempted to flee. He first reversed his car before accelerating forward, turning the vehicle and driving it toward the deputy. Fearing for his life, the deputy discharged his firearm, striking Hampton multiple times. Robert Hampton was pronounced deceased at the scene. A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered evidence of drug trafficking, the money used in the controlled buy, and a loaded revolver.
The Reno Police Department led the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. After a thorough review of the evidence, including witness statements and recordings of the incident, the Washoe County District Attorney's Office concluded that the shooting was justified under Nevada law and that no criminal charges would be filed against the deputy involved.
