On September 16, 2025, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies were conducting routine patrols in the area of Spanish Springs when they observed a suspicious vehicle occupied by a single male, later identified as 64-year-old Brett Cunningham.
Upon a registration check, deputies learned the vehicle was reported stolen on September 5, 2025 and was registered to an elderly female resident of Sparks.
When deputies contacted the registered owner at her home, they learned that she was unable to drive due to a medical condition. To recover her vehicle without having to incur the cost of a tow, deputies transported the victim to her vehicle to verify ownership and if additional property was taken from the vehicle. Deputies then drove the vehicle, with her as a passenger, back to her home.
Cunningham is currently booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility on the following charges:
- NRS 205.273.1 – Possession of a stolen motor vehicle, a Felony
- A misdemeanor warrant for Failure to Appear out of Sparks Justice court
- A felony warrant out of Eldorado County CA for embezzlement/theft from an elderly person
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office commends these deputies for going above and beyond in their efforts to bring justice for this victim and ensure her and her property’s safe return.
