An armed Clearlake resident, Arturo Lopez, 48, was safely taken into custody on early Monday, Oct. 2, after police received a report of a possible shooting.
Clearlake Police Chief Robert Chalk reported that at approximately 12:40 a.m. Monday, CPD officers were advised that Lopez was possibly in possession of a weapon while acting strangely at a residence on 24th Avenue in Clearlake. It was also reported that Lopez had possibly fired at least one shot and had been claiming that he shot his wife and children.
Upon officers” arrival in the area, Lopez stepped out of a residence with a semi-automatic assault-type rifle. Chalk reported that Lopez, who refused to drop the weapon, raised it and pointed it directly at a nearby officer.
Fearing for the officer”s safety, two officers fired their weapons at Lopez, who retreated back into the residence. The area was closed off with the assistance of deputies from the Lake County Sheriff”s Office and members of the county”s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.
Numerous attempts were made to contact Lopez inside the residence, but he failed to respond. Chemical agents were also deployed into the residence with negative results.
At approximately 7 a.m., SWAT Team members made entry into the residence, located Lopez and arrested him without incident. Lopez, who was initially unresponsive at the time, was transported to a nearby hospital where he was found to have no gunshot wounds and only minor injuries. Lopez was later transported to the Lake County jail and housed after receiving medical clearance.
During the early morning hours it was also determined that Lopez”s wife and children were actually safe and at a friend”s home unharmed.
Chalk reported on Monday afternoon that the investigation into this case is ongoing and that further information would be released at a later time. No officers were physically injured during this incident and the names of the officers involved are currently being withheld.
Chalk expressed special appreciation to LCSO personnel and to SWAT Team members who provided valued assistance leading to the successful outcome of this critical incident.
