THE CHILLING reason that a killer gunman was stopped while opening fire outside a huge casino in Reno has been revealed.

The shooter – who had multiple firearm magazines – slaughtered three people and wounded three others in a terrifying “random” attack.

One victim has been named as Andrew Canepa, co-owner of Side Street Café in Newbury Park, reported ABC News.

Police and security officials jumped into action after a gunman suddenly opened fire on Monday outside the largest casino in Reno, Nevada.

The mass shooting occurred at about 7:30 a.m. when the gunman walked up to the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, at 2500 East Second Street in Washoe County.

It has now been revealed that the only reason the alleged killer was stopped from firing at more victims is that he was wounded in a gun battle with heroic local cops.

The Reno and Sparks police departments issued a joint press release in which they said that cops arrived at the scene “within two-and-a-half-minutes” of receiving an alert.

The unidentified white male had initially walked to the valet area of the casino and “produced a handgun and pointed it at a group of victims.

“The suspect’s firearm malfunctioned; however, he was able to make it operable,” the police said.

He then proceeded to “fire multiple times at the victims,” shooting five in total – one of whom died at the scene.

A second victim was later declared dead at a local hospital.

“It was later determined that the suspect had multiple firearm magazines with him at the time of the shootings,” the statement added.

“The suspect then fled back north through the parking lot.”

While he was trying to escape the crime scene, the man was confronted by a brave security officer, with whom he exchanged gunfire.

But the suspect then continued fleeing and encountered “another victim,” a motorist who was driving through the parking lot.

This person was also fatally shot, and was later “pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Cops arrived at the bloody scene within minutes and “immediately located the suspect in the northwest side of the property, in the parking lot.”

The suspect allegedly then “fired upon officers, striking a patrol vehicle” during a gun battle soon with officers.

The police departments added, “Multiple officers from the Reno PD discharged their firearms, striking the suspect.

“The suspect was taken into custody and transported to a local area hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

“In total, six victims were shot, three of them are now deceased, two remain in critical condition, and one was released.”

The police said the attack was believed to be a random mass shooting.

“At this time, we have no reason to believer there is a connection between the suspect and victims.”

TRIBUTES TO KIND SOUL

Tributes have been paid to Andrew Canepa, whose tragic death was confirmed by Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell.

He said on X, “Andrew was a kind soul, a dedicated business owner, and a loving father to his young son.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the Side Street Café community during this incredibly difficult time.”

A local businessman, Rick, who owns Eastwind Screenprint, told ABC, that Canepa was, “one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

“Always very welcoming, always happy. Very welcoming to the community, very supportive.”

POPPING SOUNDS

A witness, Michael Sisco, 60, said he was in his room and about to head to the valet for his car when he heard popping sounds.

He looked out of his window and saw people screaming and running from the valet area.

After Sisco shockingly spotted an injured man clutching his stomach and staggering before falling motionless next to a car, he moved away from the window as the gunshots continued.

He added, “A half hour after the incident I started shaking because I realized I could’ve been there.

“That’s exactly where I was going.”

Another witness, Christina Martinez, said that she, too, had narrowly escaped becoming another victim.

She heard shots just as she was stepping into an elevator in the lobby – and they were still ringing out as she stepped out onto the 18th floor.

Someone in a neighboring room told her there was a gunman right outside the main entrance, near where Martinez said she was getting coffee just moments before.

“I feel very blessed, but that’s kind of why I had a panic attack,” she said. “I was like, ‘Oh my God. I was just there.'”

The Grand Sierra Resort is a prominent venue that has hosted concerts, sporting events and even a campaign rally by Donald Trump before the 2024 presidential election.