Tucson officials react after TPD officer is attacked by shoplifting suspect
Richard Rene Lopez is facing several charges, including aggravated assault on a peace officer
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - A police officer was seriously injured while arresting a shoplifting suspect at a gas station at Golf Links and Wilmot in Tucson on Tuesday, May 6.
Richard Rene Lopez, 38, is facing charges of aggravated assault on a peace officer with serious injury, aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault causing serious injury, and simple aggravated assault. He is being held on a $200,000 bond.
Lopez allegedly threw hot coffee at a QT employee and then beat a police officer with a can of food during the incident. According to prosecutors, Lopez hit the officer even after the officer became incapacitated and fell to the ground.
During Lopez’s initial court appearance on Wednesday night, the state said he has a criminal history that includes cases involving domestic violence, criminal damage, disorderly conduct, and leaving the scene of an accident.
The prosecutor said the police officer, a nine-year veteran who has not been named, suffered a broken cheekbone, had to get sutures, and may have ongoing vision problems due to the brutal attack.
The Tucson Police Department said it began Tuesday morning, when the officer tried to arrest Lopez at the QT in the 6300 block of East Golf Links Road.
The TPD said the officer went inside the store and saw Lopez assaulting the store employee, who was allegedly trying to stop Lopez from stealing from the business.
The officer intervened, and Lopez ran away. While the officer was chasing Lopez, he allegedly turned around and attacked the officer in the parking lot of the store.
According to the TPD, the officer sustained facial injuries but was able to take Lopez into custody. Lopez allegedly continued to resist arrest.
The TPD said two witnesses stepped up to help the injured officer.
“The Tucson Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to the community members who assisted the officer during this dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation,” the TPD said.
In a statement, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said:
“I am deeply troubled about the violent assault against a Tucson Police Officer yesterday near Golf Links and Wilmot. This incident is a reminder of the risks our officers face every day. I am grateful to the two bystanders who stepped in to assist during this dangerous encounter.”
“I also want to thank the responding officers and detectives who acted quickly to ensure the safety of everyone involved. In order to keep our officers and community safe, it is important for all of our regional partners to come together and address the Fentanyl/Opioid Public Health Crisis we are living through.”
Our City remains committed to ensuring accountability, safety, and support for those who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us and our community safe. I want extend my support to the Police Officer and wish them a swift and full recovery as they heal from injuries sustained in the line of duty while protecting our community.”
In a post to social media, the Tucson Police Officers Association released a statement that reads, in part:
“Richard Lopez is not an anomaly—he represents the type of repeat offender our officers deal with every day. This is the reality of policing in Tucson: a revolving door of individuals with extensive criminal histories who continue to victimize our community. Shoplifting, once viewed as a minor offense, has become far too normalized, and in this case, it escalated to a serious assault that left an officer with long-term vision complications. This kind of ongoing criminal behavior impacts everyone, from big box retailers to small local businesses. No store is immune to the ripple effects of unchecked theft and violence. The police cannot bear this burden alone. When any part of the justice system fails to hold offenders accountable, the entire community feels the effects.”
“The Tucson Police Officers Association stands firmly behind our injured officer and every member of our department. We also extend our sincere thanks to the brave community members who stepped in to help during this dangerous confrontation. Just as we support our officers, we stand with our community and the local businesses that are impacted by rising crime and violence.”
The full post can be seen below:
The store employee was not injured, according to the TPD.
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