Carson gangs suspected in fatal Reno shooting

A Carson City man was killed and three others were injured in a gang-related shooting and car crash early Sunday morning in Reno.

According to Reno police Lt. Mohammed Rafaqat, two groups of rival gang members from Carson City got into an altercation inside the Freight House bar on East Second Street in downtown Reno. When security guards stopped the dispute and asked the groups to leave, they both went to their vehicles in a parking garage nearby just after 3 a.m.

"The victim vehicle, an SUV, is leaving, and they see a car parked and a couple of guys standing outside it. One is pointing a rifle in their direction. As they pass, this individual fires into the back of the SUV," said Rafaqat. "Bullets penetrate through the SUV and strike the occupants."

Rafaqat said Macario Ortiz, 28, was pronounced dead at Renown Regional Medical Center. Two others were treated for gunshot wounds and a fourth was injured when the driver crashed the SUV into a concrete pillar.

When the SUV came to a stop, said Rafaqat, the shooter walked up and pistol-whipped the driver before leaving the garage.

Two of the victims were treated and released. One remains in the hospital in stable condition.

Rafaqat said most of the people in both groups are from Carson City and members of street gangs here. At least one of the individuals on the suspect side is believed to be from Kings Beach. Their names are not being released, he said.

The suspects are still being sought.

The Carson City Sheriff's Tri-County Gang Task Force is helping Reno police with the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Reno police at 334-2188. To make an anonymous tip to Secret Witness and become eligible for reward money, call 322-4900. Secret Witness offers rewards of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals committing crimes.