Police Footage Reveals Encounter with Casino Shooter

Newly released footage captures the tense moment when a police officer in Reno, Nevada, confronted a suspected gunman during a casino shooting that resulted in three fatalities.

Reno Police Department (RPD) shared body camera video from a shooting incident that occurred on July 28. Officers were dispatched to the Grand Sierra Resort Casino in response to reports of an active shooter before 7:30 AM and encountered the suspect in the parking lot.

“When officers arrived, the suspect immediately opened fire, hitting a patrol vehicle,” said Reno police Col. Robert Larson. “The officers returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times to neutralize the threat.”

Video footage shows responding officers quickly exiting their vehicle and shouting, “Drop your gun!” as the suspect appears to aim a firearm at them. A shootout ensued, with the suspect continuing to fire while retreating behind a parked vehicle. According to the police department, one officer remarked, “We fired. A shot was fired,” as the suspect persisted in shooting.

One officer’s body camera recorded several bullet casings flying around as the confrontation unfolded. At one point, another officer urged their colleague to aim for the suspect, leading to more rounds being fired. Additional footage reveals the officers gradually approaching the suspect lying on the ground.

The officers later recovered the weapon from the scene. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Dakota Hover, was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital, where he later died on July 30 due to his injuries.

During the casino shooting, Hover reportedly shot six individuals, resulting in three deaths. The victims included two 33-year-old men, Justin Aguilla and Andrew Kanepa, who were fatally shot from behind while waiting for a ride. The third victim, 66-year-old Angel Martinez, was attacked as he drove through the casino’s parking lot. Reports indicate that Hover fired approximately 80 rounds during the incident.

In a press conference, Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance noted that one officer sustained minor injuries, likely from flying glass. Larson also indicated that the suspect shot at a police vehicle four times, including twice striking the windshield.

As a standard procedure, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave while the department conducts an internal investigation. The inquiry will assess whether the officers’ tactics and use of deadly force aligned with departmental policies.