A shooting outside the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, on Monday morning left three people dead and three others injured before police fatally shot the gunman.
The incident began around 7:25 a.m. when 26-year-old Dakota Hawver approached the valet area of the casino and pointed a handgun at a group of people. The weapon initially malfunctioned, but Hawver was able to make it operational and began firing multiple shots at victims in the valet area.
Five people were shot at the valet stand, with one victim declared dead at the scene and another dying later at a hospital. Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth indicated that two of the victims, 33-year-old Justin Aguila and 33-year-old Andrew Canepa, both from Southern California, were in town for a bachelor party and were shot from behind while waiting for a ride to the airport.
After the initial shooting, Hawver fled through the parking lot where he encountered a casino security guard. The gunman fired at the security officer, who returned fire, forcing Hawver to continue moving through the parking lot. During his escape, Hawver shot and killed a third victim, 66-year-old Angel Martinez of the Reno-Sparks area, who was driving through the casino parking lot.
Reno police officers arrived at the scene within approximately two and a half minutes of receiving the initial call. When they located Hawver on the northwest side of the property, he began firing at the officers, striking at least one patrol vehicle. Officers returned fire, critically wounding the suspect.
Hawver was hospitalized in critical condition following the shootout with police. On Thursday, Sparks police announced that the suspect had died from his injuries. At least one officer sustained minor injuries, reportedly from glass fragments during the exchange of gunfire.
Investigators determined that Hawver was armed with a 9mm handgun and multiple magazines, firing approximately 80 shots during the rampage. Police revealed that he had legally purchased the firearm about two years ago but had recently bought the ammunition. Authorities found no prior criminal history or documented mental health issues for the suspect.
Of the three injured victims, two remained in critical condition initially, while a third was treated and released from the hospital. Police later confirmed that the two hospitalized victims were expected to make full recoveries.
Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Corell identified Canepa as a co-owner of Side Street Cafe in Newbury Park. Corell noted that Canepa was a dedicated business owner and loving father. “Andrew was a kind soul, a dedicated business owner, and a loving father to his young son,” Corell stated in a social media post.
Sparks Police Chief Crawforth emphasized that investigators found no known connection between Hawver and any of the victims. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, with authorities describing the attacks as random acts of violence against innocent bystanders.
The investigation is being led by the Sparks Police Department due to the officer-involved shooting, following standard protocol when Reno police officers discharge their weapons. Six Reno police officers involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure in such incidents.
Grand Sierra Resort officials released a statement thanking their security team and first responders for their quick response to the incident. The resort confirmed that none of their employees were injured during the shooting. The facility, which claims to have the largest casino floor in northern Nevada, is located less than three miles east of downtown Reno.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and other local officials expressed condolences to the victims’ families and praised the rapid response of emergency personnel. Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance indicated that the officers’ quick action stopped the suspect’s rampage and likely prevented additional casualties.
A multifaith candlelight vigil honoring the victims was scheduled for Wednesday evening at the Unity Center of Reno. The shooting occurred in a busy area of the resort near the valet services, where guests typically drop off and retrieve their vehicles.
Sources:
https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/reno-grand-sierra-resort-casino-shooting/
https://www.kcra.com/article/reno-gsr-resort-shooting-victims-identified/65545469
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/multiple-people-injured-reno-hotel-casino-shooting-rcna221532
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/28/us/reno-shooting-grand-sierra-resort
