What began as a call to an apartment on Mill Street quickly escalated into a police chase and river rescue Tuesday night after a man ran from officers and entered the Truckee River near downtown Reno.
Reno Police officers responded around 7 p.m. to a reported family disturbance at an apartment complex on Mill Street near Wells Avenue.
Police said a man allegedly attempted to force entry into his ex-girlfriend’s apartment and left before officers arrived.
A short time later, officers located the man’s car and attempted a traffic stop. Police said the driver did not yield.
The car eventually stopped on Lake Street between Mill Street and First Street near the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa on Lake Street.
Police said when the car stopped, the man ran. As he exited, the car was still in drive and rolling in reverse. The car struck a light pole and a fence near the Renaissance before coming to a stop.
The man ran down the riverbank and into the Truckee River. Reno Fire Department crews responded and located him near the bridge.
Fire officials said nine units and two boats responded. The man quickly became immobilized, possibly due to the cold water, but he became responsive shortly after firefighters pulled him from the river.
He was turned over to REMSA and taken to Renown for a medical evaluation. His injuries were described as unknown, but officials said he appeared to be doing well.
After treatment, police said the man was taken into custody and later booked into the Washoe County jail.
Reno Police reported recovering a large quantity of drugs in his possession. Police said the suspect was identified as 35-year-old Pietro Short.
Police said Short faces charges including home invasion, eluding, obstructing and resisting, possession of a controlled substance, ex-felon failed to register, and damage to city property.
