Suspected Carson robbers, Reno killers jailed

The arrest Monday morning in Reno may be tied to a series of armed robberies over the weekend in both Washoe County and Carson City, including a shooting death in Reno.

Arrested on suspicion of robbery with the use of a deadly weapon are: Jacob Sanchez, 21, of Reno; Luis Sanchez, 19, of Reno; Aurora Perez Rodriguez, 22, of Reno; and an unnamed 13-year-old Reno boy.

According to the Carson City Sheriff's Office, at 11:33 p.m. Saturday night a man called police after being confronted by a man with a gun who demanded his wallet on Roop Street at College Parkway.

At 11:38 p.m. dispatchers received a report from another man on North Peters Street who said he and a friend were walking when a trio stopped and pulled a gun on them.

The victim said he was told to "drop your sh*t," and one man punched him in the face while another took his cell phone and cigarettes. The three then fled in a white sedan.

A third call came in to Carson City Dispatch at 11:41 p.m. after a passerby reported seeing one man being pursued westbound by three men across Carson Street near Kentucky Fried Chicken. As the caller drove past, he said, he heard a single gunshot. A deputy went and found a shell casing, but no victim.

Then, according to the Reno Police Department, at 12:30 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to a report of an attempted robbery in the 500 block of California Avenue in Reno.

When officers arrived, they found Stephen Gale, 27, of Reno, lying unresponsive on the ground. Two friends were nearby uninjured

According to the witnesses, Gale and his friends were walking on California Avenue when they were confronted by four suspects. When one of the men grabbed at Gale's female friend's purse, Gale and the other man intervened. A scuffle ensued and Gale was shot. He was transported to the hospital but died from his injuries.

Because the suspects in all four incidents had matching descriptions, Carson City detectives found surveillance footage at the Carson City Walmart which was released to the media.

According to the Reno Police Department, as a result of published media reports, Reno Police detectives located the white sedan and the four persons of interest in these cases. 

"At this time we do not believe there are any other suspects or vehicles outstanding for this series of crimes. After completing interviews of those involved, all four were arrested," the press release states.

No charges have yet been filed in Gale's death.

According to Reno Police Sgt. Dave Della, additional charges will be forthcoming for both Reno and Carson City offenses. 

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Reno Police Department Robbery/Homicide Unit at 334-2188