Heavy police activity at Lakemill Lodge, closed due to failed inspection

RENO, Nev. (News 4 and Fox 11) — It’s been less than 24 hours since a downtown Reno motel was closed due to a failed health inspectionPolice surrounded Lakemill Lodge first thing Thursday morning.

About a dozen police officers were on scene at the motel at the corner of Lake and Mill streets just east of downtown Reno.

Police officers arriving at the scene can be heard shouting at the people inside, raising their hands and asking them to get out.

Northern Nevada Public Health and the city of Rhine conducted a joint inspection Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation into code violations. During the inspection, officials found human waste in common area stairwells and used hypodermic syringes.

Rapid testing revealed the syringes tested positive for fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin, according to a health district spokesperson.

Because the building’s main exit point was via the shared staircase, all residents were evacuated and the motel was closed until further notice.

The health district said Lakemill Lodge will remain closed until remediation work is completed and officials determine it is safe to reopen.

Officials and community partners are working to place Lakemill Lodge residents in temporary housing while improvements to the motel continue.

A crew from News 4-Fox 11 is on scene and will bring you the latest developments.