[Lt Shannon Laney, SLTPD. Image: Robert Choate Jr]
South Lake Tahoe, CA (March 14, 2018) - On March 12, 2018 at about 10:00 pm, South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) dispatch received a 911 call of a possible disturbance and gunshot in the 3700 block of Aspen Ave. SLTPD Officers responded to that area to attempt to locate the source of the gunshot and disturbance. While officers were on scene, the victim in this case came to the police department to report the incident. It was discovered that the victim and suspect, Robert Choate Jr, 34- year-old South Lake Tahoe resident, were roommates. The victim learned that Choate had been stealing from him so he was in the process of kicking Choate out. During a confrontation between the victim and Choate, Choate pulled a shotgun out and pointed it at the victim. The victim wrestled Choate for the shotgun, during which the shotgun discharged. The victim was able to get the shotgun away from Choate and brought it to the police department to report the incident.
Detectives from SLTPD were called out to the scene. Through their investigation, they learned that Choate may be staying at a Stateline area hotel. Believing that Choate may possess other firearms, Detectives set up surveillance on the hotel and waited for Choate to leave his room. This morning, March 14th, at about 9:30 am, SLTPD Detectives took Robert Choate into custody without incident.
