The Reno Police Department has released body-worn camera footage from a deadly officer-involved shooting that occurred on February 3 on the Wells Avenue bridge.
The shooting resulted in the death of 27-year-old Michael Johnson, who died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Washoe County Coroner’s Office.
Officers were dispatched to the bridge just before 4 p.m. after multiple 9-1-1 callers reported concerns about Johnson’s safety. Police said the call was initially a welfare check.
Body camera footage shows officers speaking with Johnson for more than 20 minutes, urging him to step away from the edge of the bridge. During the exchange, officers recognized Johnson from prior encounters and noted he was known to carry a pocket knife.
Officers repeatedly asked him to drop the knife, but he refused and warned that if officers approached him or came up behind him, it would be “bad news” for them. The situation escalated when Johnson lunged toward officers while keeping his hands in his pockets and ignoring commands.
Police say he then charged at an officer while pulling a large metal tow-style chain from his jacket pocket. Officers opened fire.
During the shooting, one round struck an officer in the vest. The officer was transported to a hospital for treatment and later released.
As is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation. The investigation remains ongoing.
The release of the footage comes as community members packed a Reno town hall on Thursday night, confronting police leadership and demanding transparency regarding the incident. The meeting was the first in a series of town halls organized by the city and Reno Police Department at the request of Chief Kathryn Nance, who stated she wanted to hear community concerns and discuss hopes for local neighborhoods.
However, much of the meeting focused on the fatal shooting. Several residents called for the release of all footage without redactions and requested the names and badge numbers of the officers involved.
Some speakers expressed anger and frustration during public comment, accusing the department of wrongdoing and questioning its actions.
Chief Nance reiterated that the Reno Police Department does not investigate its own officer-involved shootings. She added that some of the unanswered questions also concern her.
While declining to discuss details of the ongoing investigation, Nance said she hopes to see expanded mental health services in the community, suggesting stronger resources could help prevent situations from escalating to police involvement.
The department plans to continue hosting town halls in different parts of the city.
The day after the meeting, a protest was held near the Wells Avenue bridge, drawing dozens of demonstrators to the location where Johnson was shot and killed. Protesters carried signs in his memory and called for accountability, while blocking traffic.
Reno police increased their presence in the area and briefly closed the Wells Avenue bridge as a precaution while officers monitored the gathering and directed traffic. The bridge has since reopened.
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