By james art RENO, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) – One person was rushed to the hospital in unknown condition after being shot by police at the shuttered Lakemill Lodge near downtown Reno Thursday morning.
Officers responded to the assault with a deadly weapon around 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 31, which was just hours after the motel was forced to close due to a failed health inspection that forced all residents to leave.
Police said the suspect in question barricaded himself in a room, leading to a shootout between officers.
The Reno Police Department said the suspect was taken to a hospital in unknown condition. No employees were injured during the incident.
An officer-involved shooting protocol has been put in place and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office will lead the investigation.
Streets around Lakemill Lodge, including parts of Lake and Mill streets, will be closed for several hours while investigators finish.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has information related to it to call the Washoe County Sheriff’s Detective Division at (775) 328-3320 or Secret Witness at ( 775) 322-4900.
Northern Nevada Public Health and the city of Wren conducted a joint inspection as part of an ongoing investigation into code violations Wednesday. During the inspection, authorities found human waste and used hypodermic syringes in the common stairwells.
Rapid tests found the syringes tested positive for fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin, according to a health district spokesman.
Due to the fact that the common stairwells are the main exit points of the building, all residents were evacuated and the motel was closed until further notice.
The health district said Lakemill Lodge will remain closed until recovery efforts are complete and officials determine it is safe to reopen.
Officials and community partners are working to move Lakemill Lodge residents into temporary housing while the motel undergoes renovations.
News 4-Fox 11 has a crew on the ground and will bring you the latest as it becomes available.