Autopsy reveals homeless man killed by air gun

RENO - Reno police say a homeless man initially thought to have died of medical causes was shot and killed with a high-powered air gun.

The victim, identified Thursday as 57-year-old Michael Anderson, was found on the sidewalk around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday near downtown. Police say he asked a person walking by to get him medical help. Anderson was unconscious when police and paramedics arrived, and efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Police say Anderson had no visible injuries, and they thought he died of medical issues. But an autopsy performed Thursday determined he had been shot by a high-powered air gun, which caused his death.

An investigation has been launched. Police are reviewing security video, and don't know if Anderson was shot by someone walking or riding in a vehicle.