Police nab suspected drug dealer and man allegedly robbing him

The arrest of a suspected drug dealer Monday morning also netted a man who was allegedly robbing him when police arrived.

According to arrest records, members of the Carson City Sheriff's Special Enforcement Team were told by an informant that Ronald Lee Mitchell, 41, had methamphetamine for sale.

About 12:30 a.m. the informant, armed with $400 provided by SET and under police surveillance, met Mitchell at a complex off Fifth Street and Allouette, and bought a quarter ounce of methamphetamine from him, the report states.

After collecting the drugs from the informant, officers were unable to locate Mitchell.

About three hours later police got word that Mitchell was back at his residence at Camp N Town.

The deputies gathered outside of Mitchell's home, but before they could knock, a man came out "looking panicked," according to the report. Despite calls from the officers, the subject rode off on a bicycle.

Shortly thereafter, Thomas Rivera, 36, exited the home. The report states when Rivera spotted police, he began to throw bags of methamphetamine on the ground.

Inside, a battered Mitchell, covered in blood on his hands and face, told police that Rivera and the other man had beat him and robbed him of methamphetamine and cash.

"Ron said ... the timing could not have been better," wrote Deputy Donald Gibson in his report.

Mitchell was arrested on suspicion of sale of a controlled substance related to the earlier meth deal. His bail was set at $20,000.

Rivera was charged with robbery, false imprisonment and trafficking. His bail was set at $40,000. A warrant is expected to be issued for Rivera's alleged accomplice.

• Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.