A large law enforcement operation during a downtown Reno concert led to multiple arrests, drug and gun seizures, and new intelligence for future investigations, while the event itself remained free of significant gang-related violence.
According to the Regional Gang Unit, the coordinated gang suppression and crime reduction operation took place on July 9 during a concert in downtown Reno. Officers carried out proactive patrols, traffic enforcement, criminal intelligence gathering, and gang suppression efforts throughout downtown and the East Fourth Street corridor.
The operation resulted in more than 20 proactive traffic stops and citizen contacts, leading to 10 arrests and 12 citations. Investigators also completed 16 gang field interviews, collecting intelligence that officials said will support future criminal investigations and ongoing gang enforcement efforts.
Among those arrested, officers recovered about 7.6 grams of cocaine and a handgun from one suspect, who was arrested on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.
Investigators also arrested Antonio Hunter Gonzalez, a documented Sureño gang member who had an outstanding warrant connected to a 2025 home invasion investigation after previously evading law enforcement.
Despite the presence of documented gang members and their associates at the concert, officials said no significant acts of violence or gang-related disturbances occurred. Intelligence gathered during the operation indicated the visible law enforcement presence served as an effective deterrent and contributed to a safe environment for concertgoers and the surrounding community.
"This operation demonstrates the value of proactive, intelligence-led policing and the strong partnerships that exist between our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies," said the Regional Gang Unit. "Working together allows us to identify potential threats, disrupt criminal activity, and keep our community safe."
Officials credited the operation's success to the collaborative efforts of the Regional Gang Unit, Reno Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Reno Fire Department, City of Reno Code Enforcement, FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Regional Crime Gun Intelligence Center, Reno Police Department Real Time Intelligence Center, Northern Nevada Regional Intelligence Center, Regional Dispatch Services and numerous specialized enforcement teams.
The Regional Gang Unit is a multi-agency task force made up of officers and investigators from the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Washoe County School Police, Nevada Department of Public Safety Parole and Probation, Washoe County Department of Juvenile Services and the Nevada Youth Parole Bureau.
Officials said the unit also focuses on prevention through education, intervention and diversion resources for people seeking to leave gang involvement.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to call the Reno Police Department non-emergency line at (775)334-2121 or contact Secret Witness by calling or texting (775)322-4900 or visiting secretwitness.com.
