One Cop Accidentally Tases Another, Who Then Accidentally Shoots Suspect

Body-worn camera footage shows that a Reno police officer unintentionally shot a driver after the officer was struck by a responding Washoe County deputy's stun gun last month.

The shooting was reported at about 8:35 a.m. on July 26 in the 6900 block of South Virginia Street.

According to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy pulled over a driver who was reportedly driving recklessly on South Virginia Street.

Authorities said the driver was uncooperative and non-compliant, forcing the deputy to request help from an available law enforcement officer.

A nearby Reno police officer arrived a short time later.

Footage shows body camera footage released Sunday shows that the deputy fired a taser and missed, but one of the darts struck a Reno police officer in the knee – causing him to "unintentionally" fire the gun once. The 43-year-old driver was shot in his shoulder.

The man was then taken to a local hospital for treatment.

As part of the Regional Officer-Involved Shooting Protocol, the Sparks Police Department took over the investigation into the shooting.

Last month, local law enforcement leader also announced their plans to release body camera footage on police shooting within two weeks of an incident.

Police department investigating: Names of those involved not released.

The Reno Police Department, the Sparks Police Department, and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office changed their policies to say investigators would release body camera footage within 14 days of a police shooting.

Reno police investigators will also be given 30 days to release the footage on incidents that involve multiple officers and witnesses. Authorities said the extended time will allow the department to thoroughly investigate the incident and then prepare to release the video.

The identities of those involved will be redacted to help preserve the integrity of the investigation.

The change in policy followed both local and national unrest over the use of force stemming from George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.

Acting Reno Police Chief Tom Robinson previously stated the changes in policy were necessary to maintain trust within the Reno community.

The Sparks Police Department also adopted similar changes to the agency’s policy. For months, all three law enforcement leaders had been discussing expediting the time it takes to release video footage.

The agencies have also met with the University Police Services, the Washoe County School District Police Department and the Washoe County District Attorneys Office.