Suspect arrested in downtown robbery of elderly victim

On Wednesday, Reno resident Jason Heck was arrested for robbing a 68-year-old man of his fanny pack and cell phone in a downtown casino on Oct. 7.

On that date, a 68-year-old tourist was gambling at the Silver Legacy Casino when he was struck in the head and knocked to the ground by the suspect, who then took the victim’s fanny pack and fled. The suspect later used the victim’s cell phone to call a family member. The family member attempted to contact the suspect by redialing the number, but instead reached the victim, who had reactivated the number on a new phone. The family member provided the suspect’s name to the victim and this information coupled with surveillance footage led to the identification of Heck as a possible suspect. Heck, a Reno resident and unemployed laborer, admitted to committing the crime. He was arrested for robbery with an enhancement for committing a crime against the elderly.

Anyone with information on similar crimes is asked to call the Reno Police Department Detective Division at 334-2115 or Secret Witness at 322-4900.

Fire investigators say small trash fires appear related

Reno Fire Department investigators said Friday they believe three small trash fires that occurred between 10:53 p.m. and 11:12 p.m. Tuesday night were set by the same person and are asking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect. Reno firefighters quickly extinguished all three fires.

The first fire, set at 10:53 p.m., occurred in a small rubbish pile adjacent to the railroad tracks at E. Sixth and Record streets. The second at 11:08 p.m. was at 618 Spokane St. with damages estimated at $150. The third, at 11:12 p.m., was near the Days Inn at 701 E. Seventh St.

Fire investigators say it appears the fires were set by someone walking from the location of the first fire towards the neighborhoods near Interstate-80. They are seeking a description of anyone seen in the area of the fires at or near the time they occurred. Information on the fires can be provided anonymously to the Secret Witness Program at 322-4900, or by calling the Reno Fire Department at 334-2300.