On August 16, 2025, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies and detectives responded to a shooting in the area of W 2nd Ave and Sidehill Drive in Sun Valley. Deputies located two victims, one who had been riding a motorcycle and was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and a second whose vehicle had been struck by gunfire. The suspect fled the scene prior to deputies’ arrival.
Detectives initiated an extensive months-long investigation into the shooting. Through continued follow-up and collaboration with regional law enforcement partners, detectives identified the suspect as 27-year-old Reno resident Christian Esparza.
At the time detectives identified him as the suspect, Esparza was already in custody at the Washoe County Detention Facility following an arrest by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and the Regional Gang Unit for possession of a stolen motor vehicle. While in custody, he was also booked by the Reno Police Department on additional charges connected to multiple shootings. Those charges include attempted murder with a deadly weapon, possession of a stolen vehicle, battery with the use of a deadly weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
On December 1, 2025, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office detectives booked Esparza on charges of battery with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm within a structure or vehicle, and discharging a firearm in a restricted area connected to the August 16 shooting.
“This suspect posed a direct danger to members of our community, and his violent actions caused significant harm to multiple victims. I commend the relentless work of our detectives and deputies, as well as the collaborative efforts of our regional partners, in bringing these cases to a resolution and holding this offender accountable,” said Sheriff Darin Balaam.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Division at 775-328-3320, referencing case number WC25-4097. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900 or online at secretwitness.com.
