A traffic stop in west Reno on Monday, October 13, led to the arrest of two people and the discovery of drugs, weapons, and burglary tools.
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a car around 1:30 a.m. near West 4th Street and Stoker Avenue after noticing it had a headlight out and no license plates.
During the investigation, deputies found controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, a firearm with an obliterated serial number, eight ammunition cans filled with rounds, several dangerous weapons, and burglary tools inside the car.
According to the sheriff’s office, 55-year-old Michael Smedema and 42-year-old Heather Hinchberger were taken into custody without incident.
A records check showed Hinchberger is a felon, which prohibits her from possessing firearms or dangerous weapons.
Smedema was booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility on charges related to possession of controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, burglary tools, and a dangerous weapon.
Hinchberger was booked on charges related to possession of a firearm by an ex-felon, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, failure to register as an ex-felon, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency Dispatch at (775) 785-9276 or remain anonymous by contacting Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900 or visiting www.secretwitness.com, referencing case #WC25-5154.
