MV Transportation and the RTC are each contributing $5,000 toward a reward to bring whoever is responsible for a recent string of vandalism targeting RTC buses to justice.
The $10,000 reward will be paid out to anyone providing information to law enforcement that leads to an arrest and prosecution in the case.
On July 27, two windows were shot out by pellets or BBs on a route 2 bus. About a dozen people were on board the bus when the incident happened, and fortunately no one was injured. During the past four and a half weeks, 19 windows have been shot out in a similar manner while buses have been on route. The vandalism has happened in both Sparks and Reno, but seems concentrated around Greenbrae Drive.
Last night’s incident happened at Rock Boulevard and York Way in Sparks at about 11:45 p.m. Since all the incidents have happened at night, the RTC has made the difficult decision to stop route 2 bus service early. For the safety and security of passengers, route 2 service will stop at 7 p.m. and not begin again until 4:30 a.m.
“We know for many people the bus is their only method of transportation, we’ve never before had to take this step. However, safety of the passengers and drivers is our top priority,” RTC Executive Director Lee Gibson said.
Passengers who typically ride route 2 after 7 p.m. are urged to make alternate transportation plans. Stopping route 2 at 7 p.m. may continue indefinitely until a suspect or suspects are located or until the incidents stop.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sparks Police Department.
