06/26/2026
On June 25, 2026, at approximately 1946 hours, Sparks Police Department officers were dispatched to the 200 block of 18th Street regarding an intoxicated adult male who was acting erratically while waving a handgun from a white Jeep. Officers arrived on scene and contacted the reporting party who alleged the suspect later identified as Johnny Felix VELASQUEZ pointed a black handgun at several individuals and threatened to harm them.
Officers located the white Jeep in the area of Prater Way and 21st Street. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, it fled at a high rate of speed, eluding law enforcement.
At approximately 2007 hours, Reno Police Department dispatch advised that the suspect vehicle had been involved in several traffic crashes at multiple locations throughout the Reno area. The vehicle was located unoccupied in the area of North Wells Avenue and Interstate 80.
At approximately 2052 hours, Sparks Police Department officers located VELASQUEZ in the area of View Street and Prater Way. VELASQUEZ fled on foot from officers toward Rail City Casino where he was ultimately taken into custody.
Velasquez received medical treatment at the scene and was later transported to a local hospital. Throughout the contact VELASQUEZ remained uncooperative with both officers and medical personnel.
Following medical clearance VELASQUEZ was transported to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office where he was booked on the following charges:
-Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Felony)
-Eluding x 2 (Felony)
-Reckless Driving 2nd (Misdemeanor)
-Resisting a Public Officer (Misdemeanor)
-Intimidating a Public Officer (Felony)
VELASQUEZ is pending additional charges from the Reno Police Department.
The Sparks Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact the Sparks Police Department at (775) 353-2231, Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900 or online at www.secretwitness.com.
