Reno Police responded to The Peppermill Resort Spa/Casino around 1:30 Friday morning to a dispute between two people on the casino floor which ended when one subject sprayed the other with pepper spray.
Several surrounding guests were affected by the pepper spray and received medical treatment from REMSA paramedics. The affected area was quickly ventilated by Peppermill Resort Spa/Casino staff. No serious injuries were reported, and most of the complaints were consistent with exposure to pepper spray.
Reno police officers assigned to New Year's Eve activities in the south portion of the community were on scene when the incident occurred. Peppermill Resort Spa/Casino had increased security personnel for the New Year's Eve event as well as REMSA paramedics assigned to the property for the event.
The suspect was described as a Hispanic male in his 20's and was last seen running north on Virginia Street from the Peppermill.
The canister used during the incident was recovered nearby and found to be a commercially produced bear repellent pepper spray.
The Reno police department is conducting the investigation and is working with the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Peppermill Security, and Peppermill surveillance to identify the suspect.
The Reno police department is asking those affected by the incident to file a police report using the Reno police online reporting system found at http://applications.reno.gov/coplogic/start-report.html
Victims of this incident are asked to select "disturbing the peace" for the type of incident and to reference case number 16-0007 in the narrative section. Those victims who do not have access to the Internet or prefer another manner of reporting can also make a telephonic report by calling 775-334-2226 or reporting the incident in person at either of the two police stations located at 455 E. 2nd St. in downtown Reno or the south substation located at 3905 Neil Rd. (in Miguel Ribera Park) Monday-Thursday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Anyone with information relating to this crime or the suspect(s) should contact the Reno Police Department at 334-2115, Secret Witness at 322-4900, www.secretwitness.com, or text the tip to 847411 (TIP 411) keyword - SW
