On Thursday May 5th, 2022, Sparks Police Officers responded to a residential burglary in the 3000 block of Meadowlands Drive, in Sparks. It happened around 2 p.m.
"It's obviously very concerning," Officer Nick Chambers, Public Information Officer for the Sparks Police Department said. "Number one, it's right in the middle of the daytime, so it's very brazen for them to go up there. Obviously, garage door is open, so residents are home."
The victim had left their garage door open while they were working in the backyard. That's when three unknown race men, with masks on, got out of a white Saturn 4-Door sedan parked in the street in front of the house.
The suspects walked up the driveway and entered the victim's garage, while one of the suspects carried an AR style rifle.
"It's definitely upping the ante, I guess you could say," Chambers said. "It's not something we're used to seeing. Usually a log of guys will be maybe armed with a handgun or some sort of like hammer or crowbar to gain access to the residence."
A fourth male, who was driving the car, remained in the vehicle. The driver watched the homeowner walking back toward the garage and alerted the other three suspects.
The suspects ran back to the sedan with stolen property from the garage. The suspect vehicle then took off.
"If anybody sees any vehicles of that nature driving around, obviously, call the Sparks Police Department," Chambers said.
The suspects are described as younger males, in their late teens to early twenties.
Chambers says property crimes do not necessarily rise during the warmer months but he says there are typically more opportunities for criminals, this time of the year.
"People are outside," Chambers said. "Their doors are open. They're doing yard work or they're out in the back having a good time, hanging out with family and friends, not aware that their front door or their garage may be open."
The resident's home surveillance system caught the suspects on camera. That can be very useful in the investigation.
"It's very helpful," Chambers said. "Obviously, these guys were wearing masks but there is other ways that we can identify individuals but obviously, any type of video footage is definitely helpful to any investigation."
Secret Witness is offering a reward in the amount of $1,500.00 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects wanted in connection
The Sparks Police Department is asking for the public's assistance with this case. If you have any information regarding the incident or recognize the vehicle or the suspects, please contact the Sparks Police at 775-353-2231 or Secret Witness at 775-322-4900.
