Police arrested a gang member and convicted felon for shooting a
person on Southgate Court last year, police said.
Police arrested a gang member and convicted felon for shooting a person on Southgate Court last year, police said.
On Oct. 27 at 9:33 p.m., Edward Lopez, 28, and several other unidentified individuals drove through the short Southgate Court in south Gilroy, police said. “Without provocation,” Lopez fired multiple bullets at a person, who was struck by at least one of them, according to a statement.
After the incident, police collected unspecified forensic evidence and identified Lopez as a suspect, police said. Investigator Mark Tarasco then recently lobbied Judge Cunningham of the Santa Clara County Superior Court for an arrest warrant, which Cunningham granted. The judge set Lopez’s bail at $1 million.
About three hours after police secured the warrant, they found Lopez in an unspecified park in Gilroy and arrested him, police said. Police did not say what time or day that arrest took place.
Lopez could serve 25 years to life in connection with the shooting, and could have an additional 10 years because the act was done in affiliation with a gang, police said. He was booked for shooting causing bodily injury and participation in a criminal act in association with, at the direction of or for the benefit of a criminal street gang, police said.
Lopez is a known gang member and had been arrested for sales of narcotics and possession of a firearm in December, police said. Lopez was out on bail at the time, police said.
Police also used the arrest as an opportunity to take a hard-line stance on crime.
“Individuals who choose to lead a life of crime, intimidation and find the gang lifestyle appealing will be vigorously pursued by the Gilroy Police (Department),” police said in a statement. “We are dedicated to preserving a community that is free of that type of reckless behavior that puts our community members in peril and fear.”
More on this story will be posted Monday.
Anyone with information regarding this case can call the Anti-Crime Team at (408) 846-0350.
For any media inquiries please call (408) 846-0347.
*End of Media Release*
BY: Sgt. J. Deras #9696 DATE: 4/9/2010
