Murder victim identified in Hard Rock shooting at Tahoe, suspect in custody
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) held a press conference a short time ago to provide updates on today's shooting at the Hard Rock Hotel in Stateline, Nev. According to DCSO Sheriff Dan Coverly, his department was called to the hotel just after 8 a.m. on a report of an active shooter.
In front of the casino hotel's Center Bar, deputies found one male victim with a gunshot wound to his head. He was transported by Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) to Barton Hospital where he later died. He has been identified as 32-year-old Omar Reyes Garcia of South Lake Tahoe.
According to Sheriff Coverly, Garcia had been at the bar drinking with two people, later identified as Edgar Julian Delgado, 24, and Savannah Racquel Tautaupale, 26, both of Santa Cruz. After a few hours, a fight broke out, and Delgado allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Garcia in the head. The pair left the casino in a white Toyota 4Runner and the description of the suspects and car was broadcast to law enforcement. Photos of the suspects from Hard Rock security and surveillance were also included in that broadcast.
The vehicle was located and stopped by the El Dorado Sheriff’s Office (EDSO) on US50 west of Sierra-at-Tahoe near Tamarack Avenue. Tautaupale was driving the vehicle and was arrested on DUI charges by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Delgado was arrested for open murder and taken to the EDSO Jail in South Lake Tahoe. The vehicle is now evidence and was towed to a South Lake Tahoe location.
"I would like to thank all of the agencies that responded to assist the DCSO," said Sheriff Coverly. Our partnerships with the surrounding jurisdictions continue to be remarkable. I would also like to the Hard Rock Casino for their quick response and support.”
Due to active shooter protocol, multiple agencies responded with DCSO including South Lake Tahoe Police, EDSO, TDFPD, CHP, Nevada State Police - Highway, Carson City Sheriff's Office, State Parks, and Nevada Department of Investigations. Sheriff Coverly said 50-100 personnel were involved at the casino and in the search for the suspects.
The Sheriff said protocol has changed since the October 1 Las Vegas mass shooting where 60 people were killed and at least 312 were wounded. He said all active shooter calls bring out multiple agencies, equipment, and personnel. Every room and space at the Hard Rock Hotel Casino was searched in case there were any other victims.
"Response may seem overwhelming and over the top, but that's okay," said Sheriff Coverly.
As the news broke this morning, scanners were broadcasting multiple actions including searching for the vehicle on Kingsbury Grade. All ended with the suspects' arrests without incident and the Sheriff said there is no further threat to the public.
Garcia's next of kin has been notified.
Once available the booking photos of the suspects will be added to this story.