The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office has determined a 2022 officer-involved shooting in downtown Reno was lawful.
The shooting happened around 6:17 a.m. December 4, 2022, when a Reno Police Officer Fernando Reza shot Marcus Lee Lewis near the Silver Legacy Resort.
According to a report released by District Attorney Chris Hicks, officers responded to reports of a barefoot man carrying a knife and acting erratically downtown, which included an altercation with two security guards.
Officers said Lewis repeatedly ignored commands to stop and drop the knife. Police followed him through downtown, attempting to de-escalate the situation. A Taser was also deployed twice but had little effect, due to Lewis' bulky clothing.
Officer Reza continued to observe Lewis as he moved erratically near the casino entrance, repeatedly moving, stopping, turning toward the officers and swinging the knife.
Fearing Lewis would enter the Silver Legacy and seriously injure someone, Officer Reza fired his weapon. Lewis was taken to the hospital and survived.
The report's release was delayed because of criminal cases involving Lewis.
The complete report is available on the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office’s website.
