Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT EPD MEDIA LINE @ 760.839.4444 (Lt. Loarie)

Prepared by Lt. Mike Loarie

For background information on the case where Sergio Lopez was wanted for shooting at two police officers while they were trying to apprehend him on 02.08.12, go to FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT EPD MEDIA LINE @ 760.839.4444 (Lt. Loarie)

Prepared by Lt. Mike Loarie

For background information on the case where Sergio Lopez was wanted for shooting at two police officers while they were trying to apprehend him on 02.08.12, go to www.police.escondido.org and select the News Release page. Look for News Release titled, "Escondido Police Seeking Public's Help to Locate Gunman" that was published on 02.09.12.

After Lopez's attack on two EPD officer, EPD detectives tried to find Lopez and were not able. They subsequently obtained a warrant for his arrest. Until tonight, Lopez had not been found.

On 05.09.12, at about 9:00 PM, EPD received information from US Marshal’s that Sergio Lopez had been released to the US Marshal's Office on the US side of the US / Mexico International Border. Lopez had been living in Mexico to evade capture up until tonight.

Lopez’s arrest was the result of a relationship and agreement between the Mexican authorities, US Marshal's Office, and EPD. The apprehension of Lopez could not have happened without of the cooperation of the Mexican authorities. Mexican authorities located and apprehended Lopez while he was in Mexico and turned him over to US authorities at the border. Lopez is a US citizen.

Lopez was taken into custody as per an arrest warrant EPD obtained for his involvement in shooting at two officers.

Lopez was released to EPD detectives and brought back to the Escondido Police Department for questioning and processing. On the day of the intial incident, Lopez violated several laws by shooting at EPD officers with a semi-automatic handgun and resisting arrest. Fortunately, no police officers nor bystanders were hit by the bullets Lopez fired. The Arrest Warrant listed the specific charges Lopez faces, and his bail is $2M.

Lopez will be booked by EPD on the warrant.

At this point, there will be no further information this evening.

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