Home Antioch Antioch Man Arrested After Shooting and Killing Carjacking Suspect

Antioch Man Arrested After Shooting and Killing Carjacking Suspect

by ECT

On February 5 at approximately 8:30 pm Antioch Police Officers were dispatched to 20 E. 18th Street on the reports of shots fired in the Rite Aid parking lot.

Upon arrival Officers located 37 year old Leo Lopez of Antioch. Lopez advised he was just the victim of a carjacking at gunpoint and his white van was gone. Almost simultaneously the Antioch Police Department began receiving calls of a white van that had crashed into a parked car and came to rest in the front yard of a residence on W. 17th Street, west of A Street.

IMG_9193Officers responded to that scene as well.

According to Antioch Police Lieutenant Tom Fuhrmann, on 17th Street they found Lopez’ van had crashed and the driver, a 27 year old male out of Pittsburg, had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was deceased.

“Upon further investigation it was learned that Lopez had parked in the Rite Aid lot and was sitting in his van while using his phone. While sitting in his van a subject unknown to him opened the door and got in and attempted to rob him at gunpoint,” explained Fuhrmann. “Lopez fled from the van and the unknown subject drove off in Lopez’s van. As the van was driving away, Lopez produced his own firearm and fired multiple shots into his own van.”

IMG_9206Lopez was subsequently arrested and will be booked into the Contra Costa County Jail for Murder.

This case is still under investigation. No further information will be released at this time.

Anybody having information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Det. Dee at (925) 779-6884. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH

Editors Note – this is Antioch’s second homicide of 2016.

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106 comments

RJB! Feb 6, 2016 - 7:06 am

Man, I love Antioch.

Larry Johnson Feb 6, 2016 - 7:16 am

An example of why we do not have open carry and limit CCW. People will shoot when there is no danger and ask questions later. While its sad he was carjacked, the van was already leaving and the Mr. Lopez was no longer in danger. Instead, he pulls out a firearm and begins shooting. What if someone else had been hit?

I feel bad for him, but if what police say is true, he is screwed.

RJB! Feb 6, 2016 - 7:37 am

What if Mr. Lopez saved someone’s life because the scumbag was going to use the van to kidnap, rape, and murder someone?

What if Mr. Lopez saved a kid’s life because the scumbag would have used the van to joy ride and run over some while being under the influence of his malt liquor and free medical grade marijuana?

Yes, let’s all blame people like Mr. Lopez who did not initiate the scenario and was just minding his own business.

Yup, the real criminal here is not the car jacker. LMFAO.

If Mr. Lopez had a badge, there would be a bigger uproar.

If Mr. Lopez were a puppy, there would probably be riots.

If Mr. Lopez knew how to answer questions after firing a weapon, maybe he wouldn’t be in this situation.

If we as a community followed Debra Vinson’s suggestion and used our resources such as time and money to entertain these thugs and criminals, then the car jacker wouldn’t have been “bored” and wouldn’t need to car jack.

LMFAO

Steve Feb 6, 2016 - 1:03 pm

You are an idiot!

RJB! Feb 6, 2016 - 1:57 pm

That was it?? Shows how “smart” you are.

Wackster Feb 7, 2016 - 7:54 am

Too many “ifs.”

RJB! Feb 7, 2016 - 4:25 pm

Yup, too many thoughts. Confusing isn’t it? Head hurting? Try taking another toke of your medical marijuana and leave the thinking to grown folks.

Sonya.T Feb 7, 2016 - 10:17 am

What if you dont know what your talking about. Rick was no scumbag. Misguided, but no scumbag.

RJB! Feb 7, 2016 - 4:26 pm

What if you are Rick’s baby’s mama who couldn’t collect child support? Hmm…

Joanna Feb 9, 2016 - 2:37 pm

That’s right actually he was a good kid with a big heart that got caught up! Instead of everyone rushing to judge ,you might want to wait till all the fact’s are in !!!!!!!!

zack ajanell Feb 9, 2016 - 6:44 pm

“Good kid” last time i checked my kid is a good kid and he doesn’t go out and stick guns in peoples faces and take their cars. He played with fire and he got burned! I feel bad for the victim, Mr. Lopez

Shells Feb 6, 2016 - 8:38 am

Exactly…

James Rios Feb 6, 2016 - 9:28 am

Here’s hoping it’s you that this happens to next!! Very interested to read what comes off your keyboard after that happens. “What if”.The world is all about this these days. The fact is nobody else got hurt and another scumbag has met his Waterloo. Guess he picked the wrong person to carjack and threaten with bodily harm. Lopez will probably go to jail for doing something a cop would have would have been celebrated for. We must be able to defend ourselves, our loved ones and property.

Leadell Feb 6, 2016 - 4:56 pm

Love your reply you really don’t know until you walk in another persons shoes and we all know had this happened in an affluent neighborhood that citizen would have come out of the situation like Zimmerman

osm Feb 7, 2016 - 1:38 am

and a good man trying to protect his property is now a murder bull shit liberals are all the same

Sonya.T Feb 7, 2016 - 10:19 am

How do you know hes a good man?

roberto Feb 9, 2016 - 4:06 am

bitch he is a good man he aint the shit head car jacker like your freind thats worm food now

James Young Feb 7, 2016 - 7:23 am

I agree James. We must ALL have the right to defend ourselves AND OUR property that MOST of us have worked our butts off to obtain….

Ashley Feb 7, 2016 - 10:46 pm

I’m glad that guys gone, one less a-hole messing up other people’s lives on the street. For people that actually do right by the law, and make an honest living, not addicted to drugs, or carjacking possibly someone’s only source of transportation, they deserve to know they can be safe, concealed carry needs to be legal everywhere, and I am a liberal for the most part. Thieves only think about theirselves every single time they rob someone. So you know what? If you don’t have compassion for others, I have no compassion for you if you die in the process of thieving. I will protect me and mine, no matter what, but I would NEVER steal from someone. I hope this guy gets away with it. With a clean record at the end of the day. As you can tell, I loathe criminals like this.

Jerry Collins Feb 6, 2016 - 11:19 am

larry ur jumping to conclusions and sounding anti gun/concealed carry, as if mr. lopez was a permitted carrier, and you just gave an anti carry rant as if permit carriers would shoot up the town like uneducated gun owners, larry ur leaning to far left there buddy pal chum friend!!

Jerry Collins Feb 6, 2016 - 11:21 am

however this would be a manslaughter after the plea because he did cause a death when his life was no longer in danger

Mike O'Connor Feb 6, 2016 - 2:44 pm

While I understand your reasoning, YOU do not know if it was a safe shooting or not regarding backstops or colateral damage. Assumed innocence, and freedom to protect yourself and your property from armed banditos used to be a given in this Country, and still should be. As others have said the bad guy forfeits the right of safety the minute he uses his gun to threaten citizens. If police can shoot a fleeing car, than so much more should we be able to for our own property and livelyhoods that we worked for after being threatened with deadly force. Your ASSUMPTIONS that this guy is dangerous are unfounded and unsubstantiated. They are at best, hopeful guesses to support a pathetic liberal argument. And no I am not calling you a liberal. But your argument is, and is FAIL.

Gib Lee Feb 6, 2016 - 3:32 pm

Yup… Ur right….

g0tgot Feb 6, 2016 - 5:40 pm

there was danger, you forget that he had a gun in his face. If the victim was an officer the outcome would have been the same. This in my opinion is a great citizen protecting our community who is getting the short end of the stick. This happened 3 doors down from my house. I applaud the efforts of Mr. Lopez and wish there was more people like himself who are smart enough to protect themselves. People need to come together for the greater good. The consequences of illegal activity are just.

Peaches Feb 8, 2016 - 8:47 am

I live

Peaches Feb 8, 2016 - 8:50 am

I live across the street from rite aid I agree with you

americaishackedandhijacked Feb 11, 2016 - 9:18 pm

You are so right. Just because he goes free now doesn’t mean he will be free later or the man’s family won’t chose to sue Leo Lopez.

Joanna Delgado Feb 12, 2016 - 7:18 am

So I guess your one of those smart one’s , that see’s it in black and white and knows it must be true! Cuz after all they wouldn’t of printed it if it wasn’t true. LOL

Superssport Feb 6, 2016 - 7:59 am

You are so right RjB! These days it’s a war with theses criminals. Every law abiding citizen should be caring a gun. If the criminals know this then their wouldn’t have been a crime in the first place. The owner of the van should be recognized has a hero.

SRG Feb 6, 2016 - 8:03 am

The criminal who car jacked Mr Lopez at gun point got what he deserved! Good shot Mr Lopez! Unfortunately Mr Lopez will now go to jail because he’s a citizen protecting himself, where as if he was an undercover officer or off duty officer they would get a medal for stopping a violent criminal!

Edward Harris Feb 6, 2016 - 11:59 am

No he was not protecting himself, has he shot the guy right there, he could claim that. Instead he let the guy flee the scene, taking any imminent danger out of the equation. I’m all for protecting yourself, but at least follow the rules.

Focusonthesolutiion Feb 6, 2016 - 4:46 pm

Edward please refrain from judging until all the details of the incident are released. Do you know what side of the van, what position, or what distance Mr. Lopez was from the vehicle when he opened fire to make such claims?

Michelle PestANA Feb 6, 2016 - 8:47 am

If you prosecute a civilian for following his fourth amendment, The right to bear arms to protect your person, property, or things. WTF is he going to jail for ? Because the cops didn’t have a glory moment .?? If they would have shot him or even if it wasn’t what they thought and killed someone…no one would be charged. It’s the way it’s going these days and I am going to protect me and mine regardless, it’s our constitutional right and if we all lose sight of that we will be in containment camps before you know it …heading towards the New World Order….Not me…I will die first!

Where did Antioch go wrong??????? Feb 6, 2016 - 11:02 am

Please at least get the correct amendment if you are going to argue. It is the 2nd ammendment and not th 4th. This is the problem with our education system these days. They do not want you to know what the constitution is or the rights it gives you. Why would the cops have a glory moment. You think a cop gets glory when he has to defend life and kill somebody. You are a joke

Jerry Collins Feb 6, 2016 - 3:06 pm

speaking of the education system i remember back in my day they had a high school i think it was a requirement to either cite or remember the constitution,im not even sure they teach the constitution in school’s anymore??

rip rick Feb 6, 2016 - 8:51 am

Rip slick rick

Arne Feb 6, 2016 - 8:56 am

I see a hung jury if this goes to trial. And maybe even “jury nullification” with an “not guilty” verdict !!

americaishackedandhijacked Feb 11, 2016 - 9:22 pm

With the man fleeing the situation & not directly harming him at the moment. Just driving away. I think this man will loose his gun and serve jail time

Donna Pack'Jordan Feb 6, 2016 - 9:34 am

The carjacker deserved what he got!! Antioch police should be grateful to Mr.Lopez, now they have one less P.O.S that will no longer be breaking law’s in Antioch. Mr.Lopez you deserve a medal, thank you.

Brittany Feb 6, 2016 - 10:11 am

Wow you have to be some sort of fucking retard to say someone deserves a medal for committing a murder . Stupid bitch

Jonny Feb 6, 2016 - 12:57 pm

Brittany you must be the Dead perps “Bae” lol

Steph de la risa Feb 6, 2016 - 9:41 am

Ain’t that some shit !! a piece of fucking shit dead and the victim in jail way to go!! What a fucked up world we live in…

Where did Antioch go wrong??????? Feb 6, 2016 - 9:52 am

Sorry, people but you have this one wrong. I know that crime in this town has you upset but You simply can not shoot people unless your life is in danger. I guarantee this will not be a hung jury and he will be convicted. What about the danger he put other people in while he is firing at the van as it is fleeing. What if one of those bullets would have hit somebody else. This would have been a different story had he shot the criminal during the actual commission of the crime and not after he was fleeing.

Mike O'Connor Feb 6, 2016 - 2:54 pm

You are making unsubstantiated assumptions that those shots put others at risk. Remember when People were given the FREEDOM of the benefit of the doubt? Assumed innocent unless proven otherwise? What happened to that? You want to allow people to threaten us with death and take our livelyhoods and be protected from our ability to protect our lives and YES property? His life is forfeit if he is living by threatening to shoot people. Wake up and smell the coffee. We KNOW what the laws are in some places. We also know it is WRONG in some places. You can say he might be convicted. But don’t try to say he was wrong, or dangerous. He was acting on his human right to keep his own property, maybe his work van or sole means of transportation. In the old west not to long ago the same would be said of a horse, and taking one at gunpoint was a hanging offense, or a wanted dead or alive situation. Because People have a right to survive without cockroaches eating thier sweat.

Where did Antioch go wrong??????? Feb 7, 2016 - 10:20 am

See how you feel when the shots miss and hit your child, an innocent bystanders who is killed by an upset person that is shooting because he is pissed that somebody just stole his trick.. It is property. I am the first person that would shoot a person or say good shoot if my life or the life of another was in danger. I know that this is the standard that police must weigh when trying to pick up the pieces. You made a good point about the wild west and shooting or hanging suspects for stealing horses. Let’s think for a minute. Oh, this is not the wide west anymore and we are a more civilized now.

Anonymous Feb 6, 2016 - 3:02 pm

I love the question. The fact to this answer is that the government has been spending money on foreign wars which has in turn devastated the United States financially. This has resulted in deprivation of much needed resources. We have been deprived of good, honest, educated public protection (officers). The government deprived us of adequate education, community assistance for youths, proper intervention for drug abusers and entertainment such as boy and girls club, community leagues, etc. When situations like these occur EVERYONE has a share of fault. The government for depriving Antioch of proper grants and aid to assist in hiring more officers. The parent that might have had to work restlessly to provide shelter and food to the delinquent she was unaware she was raising. The troubled youth that didn’t have the courage to live above the influence, became addicted to drugs and had to find a way to support his desperate habbit. The community center that closed down because no experts wanted to work in a “ghetto” town. The justice system for not amending certain laws such as the three strikes law (for drug abusers), for underpaying public defenders and overloading them with cases they have no time to properly research and therefore not providing the person charged with a legitimate defense. The angered person that only judges and uses technology to speak out against a situation they will NEVER understand (unless they go through it personally).

You see everything is and can be an argument. Too many politics are invloved. I have lived in the area a long time and have seen people come and go. Friends have passed away. What I do know is that sometimes one cannot expect to know how someone should react to a petrifying situation. After reading the article two to three times I had many judgemental remarks to make, but then I thought, what would I have done in his situation? What if my kids were in the car and someone came to carjack me at gun point? What if my kids were not in the car but after fear, hurt, pain always comes anger. A mixture of emotions can cause a person to act irrationally. Anyone can have a moment of shock which can possibly trigger the mind to act in fight/flight. In this scenario we do not know how far the carjacked victim was from his vehicle when he fired, therefore we don’t know if someone else could have been in danger. Perhaps in this instance you might have not shot back, perhaps you don’t own a weapon. We try and teach younger generations to understand everyone is different, we all have different ways of reacting. That is why after reading your comment it really made me think… What is really going on and not in where has Antioch gone wrong or the United States for that matter but WHAT IS THE SOLUTION? WHEN DO WE ACTUALLY BEGIN TO FIX OUR ISSUES? I think there will be another civil war before we can get everything right. It would not be pretty either because there are more “minorities” now, more cultures, more technology, more violence. Honestly these are thoughts that go through my mind.

BilgeRat Feb 6, 2016 - 11:50 pm

I really think that you have made a very detailed and accurate description of the state of our society and just how that came to be. I have to agree as well that unless someone is able to enact sweeping changes from the top down in our country, well are almost certainly going to have a second civil war. My biggest fear about that is if we as a people are unable to end the racism that our government continues to promote. We as a people divided, won’t be that tough to contain. We as a people united, would be unstoppable. I don’t know if we are capable of putting our prejudice aside and seeing the root of our problems.

Focusonthesolutiion Feb 6, 2016 - 4:40 pm

I love your question.

1. The government has used billions of dollars in foreign wars.

2. Lack of funds to our country deprives us of the much needed resources in our community.

A. Antioch does not have sufficient money to hire more honest, trustworthy, police officers.

B. The lack of funding deprives us from adequate education to our youth.

C. Lack of funding to the community, city, county and/or the United States in general closes down
programs for drug abusers, government funded therapists, entertainment for youths like sports,
boys & girls club, etc.

3. Its just not rocket science, less money means less resources, less of everything for Americans and
when there is poverty, there is crime and violence.

Honestly when these situations occur EVERYONE has a share of fault. Everything is and can be an argument. Circumstances like this do not just happen overnight, Antioch was not always like this or the United States for that matter (in regards to the violence) because the hate and injustice has always been present. There are too many politics and areas to touch because truth is everything inter-winds with why humanity has evolved the way it has and why there is more violence, lack of morals, lack of a youthful respect, and lack of people willing to make a change or fight back because they are uninterested or maybe even fear.

There is too little information to know how far the carjacked victim was from the vehicle before the shooting commenced. Maybe the carjacked victim was still in imminent danger and could have been shot. I was quick to jump to conclusion too, however, I though about my reaction if it were me in the situation. What if I had my kids in the car? How would I have reacted if I had a concealed weapon? Would I have done the same?

One will never know until one has to face that fight/flight decision. Although the carjacker might have started to flee again we do not know enough details but regardless people do not seem to understand that the mind is distraught when there is a mixture of what I like to call “trigger class of emotions” fear/anger/shock/disbelief, all these can trigger the mind to act irrationally and panic not necessarily focused on the consequences to the actions.

For example a murder described as a “crime of passion” such as when a wife finds her husband in bed with another woman. She is not in any danger by the other woman, but the cloudiness of her feelings have triggered her to act irrationally. It does not make it right to murder someone and we all learn right from wrong at a young age, but no one knows how they will react to something unless they are actually put in that situation.

Perhaps you would not be one to kill your significant other and the person they cheated on you with, but another thing to keep in mind is understanding that EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT and we all handle situations differently. Some people use meditation and know how to control mixed emotions, then there are people like me that “still work on it”, “breath and count to 20”, and pray to baby Jesus to give me serenity. I am grateful and lucky to not have encountered such circumstances in my life, but it does remind me to keep an open mind and not be so judgmental. There are laws in place but I suggest you research the justice system a little deeper before trusting it 100%

Nick Feb 6, 2016 - 9:58 am

I don’t have any empathy for the carjacker. He was committing a crime. But you can’t open fire the way Lopez did. He could’ve killed a lot of innocent people. You call the police, and let law enforcement handle it. They both have a criminal mentality. I would not be surprised if Lopez has a rap sheet. Thugs robbing thugs. The truth hurts.

Lopez was in danger (at first), but the danger escaped once the other guy was gone. Lopez could’ve killed anybody, including your family and friends. He fired away because he was ticked off (and rightfully so). Law abiding people call the police, thugs take it into their own hands, and do exactly what Lopez did.

LESSON-YOU CAN’T TAKE THE LAW INTO YOUR OWN HANDS. IT’S NOT THE WAY IT WORKS. We have laws for a reason, and you abide by them, or pay the price.

David Feb 6, 2016 - 10:12 am

If you use a gun to commit a crime, and you are killed (NOT murdered), you get what you deserve. How may people were robbed by that scumbag? The argument that the POS was driving away & it was only a van is just a bunch of bullshit. The criminal had a GUN! Do you think the gun was registered to him? Do you think the gun was purchased thru a firearms dealer, or gun store? Do you think he had a background check? I would doubt it. One dead criminal POS scumbag down. Everyone should carry, and if someone pulls a gun on you, you should shoot that POS DEAD, DEAD, DEAD!

Where did Antioch go wrong??????? Feb 6, 2016 - 10:14 am

I remember there was an incident about 10 years ago where a person shot themself in the leg. This incident occurred in the downtown area, possible near seventh and J streets. If my memory serves me, this persons name was Leo Lopez. Just wondering if these two are the same. The Leo Lopez that shot himself in the leg was a piece of work.

roberto Feb 9, 2016 - 3:58 am

yes that is the same leo who shot him self in the leg with his own gun while cleaning it and not relizing he had one in the chamber.

S&W Feb 6, 2016 - 10:35 am

Good shot…..bad decision.

g0tgot Feb 6, 2016 - 5:42 pm

good shot indeed, there was only 4-5 rounds that went off. I live three doors down from the scene.

Anthony McIntosh Feb 6, 2016 - 10:37 am

But it’s okay if the police shoot and kill an unarmed person

Arum Feb 6, 2016 - 11:17 am

Yes

Jimmy cope Feb 6, 2016 - 11:15 am

I cannot believe the fact that someone protecting his hard earned property all be it a car, house, family or whatever the case maybe? Then shoot because some scumbag feels entitled steals the property and now booked on murder charges. How does anyone including police know the guy tried to run him over upon leaving the scene and Looez shot in fear of his life? As previous post stated if this was a cop they would get decorated awards for this. I was a recent victim of a car break in and ALL of my personal property including identity items. It still pains me to this day dealing with it all from car repairs, insurance, etc. I know this is completely different from this situation but same point of people these days feeling entitled to steal your hard earned personal private property. Even the responding officer in emeryville told me due to prop 47 being passed these thugs know if caught they will pay a fine, get kicked back on street the same day and do it all over again. People are FED UP folks and it’s time we all take a stand and more importantly support others and take our city back!

Lawman Feb 6, 2016 - 11:17 am

Will be plead down to a second degree murder or a manslaughter. Most likely a manslaughter…IMO

BellaBellz Feb 6, 2016 - 11:28 am

He carjacked him. Period. His ass needed to be stopped. Thats some real food for thought tho….u never know who ur fucking with. Go to rob somebody ur ass may wind up dead.

BellaBellz Feb 6, 2016 - 11:32 am

He carjacked him. Period. His ass needed to be stopped. Thats some real food for thought tho….u never know who ur fucking with. Go to rob somebody ur ass may wind up dead.

Everything is a lesson Feb 6, 2016 - 12:12 pm

Actions equal consequences, positive and negative. The person trying to rob someone and stealing their property put himself in that position, he wasn’t killed walking his dog, playing with his cousins or coming out of church, he was killed when he was breaking the law and taking something by force that didn’t being to him.
We need to teach our children, our community..hey, you do bad..there will be a consequence..maybe you’ll get away it the first time, but the next time you could be killed…is being greedy or coveting worth your life? Don’t commit the crime if you aren’t willing to do the time..in this case..it was his life sentence.

Wake Up Feb 6, 2016 - 12:18 pm

Based on the news report, there is not enough information for anyone to rant one way or the other.
Let’s get the facts and then we can have a healthy debat.

Ivegotgunsbiggunsbaby Feb 6, 2016 - 12:30 pm

I’m all for 2A rights and CCW. But this is a case of NOT what to do. His life was no longer in danger, the threat was leaving. Plus a vehicle is not worth someones life no matter what. Let the person take the car and do what they want with it, its not in your possession and whatever happens from that point forward is not your responsibility. It sucks, I know. But trust me, its not worth what Mr. Lopez did.

Mike O'Connor Feb 6, 2016 - 3:01 pm

It would be worth it if he were not prosecuted. And a deterrant as well. Your right, you cannot equate a van, and an armed bandit’s life. The van is more important to the citizen. It could be a work van, a job search van for an out of work citizen, a take the kids to school van. All much more important than an anti-social, uncivilized felon who threatens innocents at gunpoint for a living

Nick Feb 9, 2016 - 10:28 am

I totally agree this is a case of “what not to do.” I’m saddened that we’re the minority… we actually understand this. It doesn’t say much for the mentality of the average reader.

Deadly force on a felon supporter Feb 6, 2016 - 1:19 pm

To Antioch Police Chief,

Why would you arrest a citizen using deadly force to stop a fleeing felon ?

This fleeing felon would most probably kill or hurt someone very soon after this felonious act. The Citizen could be construed as saving others from serious injury or death. This is the problem with California when the felon is protected in the course of a felony. No wonder felons flee to Antioch to rape rob and pillage. They are protected by the police.

Private citizens who are trying to make arrests are also allowed to use force, but their right to use force is much more limited than the right to use force available to police officers. A private citizen is only allowed to use deadly force when trying to make an arrest if the suspect, in fact, committed a felony. Unlike police officers, who can act upon a reasonable belief and whose actions based on a reasonable belief will be vindicated even if those beliefs turn out to be wrong, a private citizen must actually be right about the suspect he is trying to arrest. If a private citizen uses deadly force on a suspect and it turns out that the suspect did not commit a felony, the private citizen’s actions will not be justified no matter how reasonable his belief might have been that the suspect actually did commit a felony.

Another quote;

At common law, the fleeing felon rule permits the use of force, including deadly force, against an individual who is suspected of a felony and is in clear flight. Force may be used by the victim, bystanders, or police officers. According to David Caplan “Immediate stopping of the fleeing felon, whether actually or presumably dangerous, was deemed absolutely necessary for the security of the people in a free state, and for maintaining the “public security.” … ” Indeed, it has been said that the social policy of the common law in this matter was not only to threaten dangerous felons and hence deter them, but was also to induce them to “surrender peaceably” if they dared commit inherently dangerous felonies, rather than allow them to “escape trial for their crimes.” [1

Deadly Force on a Felon Supporter Feb 6, 2016 - 1:29 pm

Dear Police Chief,

What are you running over there. A protection house for armed fleeing felons? This is ridiculous. Your subject victim here probably saved innocent lives by taking this fleeing felon out. Shame on you.

Private citizens who are trying to make arrests are also allowed to use force, but their right to use force is much more limited than the right to use force available to police officers. A private citizen is only allowed to use deadly force when trying to make an arrest if the suspect, in fact, committed a felony. Unlike police officers, who can act upon a reasonable belief and whose actions based on a reasonable belief will be vindicated even if those beliefs turn out to be wrong, a private citizen must actually be right about the suspect he is trying to arrest. If a private citizen uses deadly force on a suspect and it turns out that the suspect did not commit a felony, the private citizen’s actions will not be justified no matter how reasonable his belief might have been that the suspect actually did commit a felony.

Another quote;
At common law, the fleeing felon rule permits the use of force, including deadly force, against an individual who is suspected of a felony and is in clear flight. Force may be used by the victim, bystanders, or police officers. According to David Caplan “Immediate stopping of the fleeing felon, whether actually or presumably dangerous, was deemed absolutely necessary for the security of the people in a free state, and for maintaining the “public security.” … ” Indeed, it has been said that the social policy of the common law in this matter was not only to threaten dangerous felons and hence deter them, but was also to induce them to “surrender peaceably” if they dared commit inherently dangerous felonies, rather than allow them to “escape trial for their crimes.” [1

Randall R. Kniess Feb 6, 2016 - 1:51 pm

Allow me to poke a finger in my eye to produce a tear for a dead scumbag. The scumbag was not a victim, but a criminal who decided to rob at gun point and then steal a vehicle. The idea that Mr. Lopez was safe after he drove off, doesn’t take into account that the criminal had now in his possession possibly his house keys, and information that could possibly put Mr. Lopez’s family at risk. Whether if he was a CCW permit holder or not, he knew how to shoot better than many police officers, and he did your city a favor by eliminating a scumbag criminal. But then again this is California and you seem to favor fruits and nuts as neighbors and politicians.

John Kuczmanski Feb 6, 2016 - 1:54 pm

The community needs to support Mr. Lopez. He was defending himself and his property from a thieve and thug. Kudos for taking that criminal out. Situations like this is exactly why we have concealed carry and in some parts of the country, open carry.

RJB! Feb 6, 2016 - 1:56 pm

Antioch -where the criminals are protected and the garbage elected.

There is no hope for this town.

Mario Beleza Feb 6, 2016 - 3:04 pm

Mr Lopez must know Antioch PD ….They suck and they wouldnt have done a thing to help him.Arresting Mr Lopez is the only bull shit aresst they can make.Car jacker got what he deserved.Criminals run rampid in this town cause they know police wont do a thing.IFound that one out on my own .they cant close a case even if you give them who did it with proof.if everone carryed guns… trust me crime would go down.criminals would have some thing to fear. Kind of Ironic mr lopez is getting arrested for doing what the police are supposed to do.protect and serve us…they only seem to protect crime. If Mr Lopez gets a murder charge for shooting someone who robbed him at gun point…That will be just other sign of the ignorance of people and the bigger picture of the government wanting to strip us of our rights to bare arms.

Tbone Jenkins Feb 6, 2016 - 3:51 pm

He probably just got done car jacking the van 10 minutes prior…then he got car jacked. Lol
Two Lives Ruined over a minivan. Goodbye Antioch! Hello Anywhere But Here

Jason Eldefonso Feb 6, 2016 - 3:51 pm

Un fucking believable… They should be giving him a medal… Not arresting him for murder…

Human Feb 6, 2016 - 3:58 pm

The 21st century is a fire in a madhouse.
Lack of collective purpose, widespread confusion, mass apathy, dwindling natural resources, organized brutality, the perseverance of outdated ideologies…
The world is out of time for a political solution. Search for truth within yourself; to look outside is merely to see the illusion of this societal chaos. It’s time we admitted there is no solution, no answer, no political hope according to the current way the game is played.

Scott Feb 6, 2016 - 4:34 pm

But if a carjacker hops into a cops car and the cop kills the suspect then the story ends with the cop that still gets to go home at the end of day… If the city did its job by not letting this type of crime such as carjacking ALL THE TIME then the 37 year old wouldn’t have to carry his own gun to protect himself and others. I say we buy more guns and start up the militia against criminals and corrupt government rulings..

Where did Antioch go wrong??????? Feb 7, 2016 - 2:11 pm

Scott, don’t kid yourself. What planet are you on that believes a cop would or could not shoot at somebody for stealing patrol car. Cop would be in as much trouble as anybody else. Cops are held to a higher standard then citizens. Why do you people com pare this situation to a police officer. Usually cops shoot people for trying to run them down and not away from them. Very standard language in police policies that they will not shoot at a fleeing vehicle unless their life or the life of another is in eminant danger. Period

C Feb 6, 2016 - 5:33 pm

Always funny, the criminal doesn’t have to follow any rules of engagement, or take into considrration the rights or potential for retaliation of their target, but when the victim responds with force in the moment of being violated, his/her actions are scrutinized at length, after the fact, with the victim now treated as perpetrator, and criminal elevated to victim.

Carjacker got what he deserved and now won’t do it to anybody else, and we as tax payers don’t have to support him, once caught, for his extended stay at club fed. Maybe, with any luck, this example will make the next criminal pause and think about the potential, possibly fatal, consequences of carjacking someone that could fight back.

Criminals don’t like it when their victims can fight back. When guns are illegal, only the criminals have guns. Similar concept to “gun free zones” creating victim rich environments. Something to take into consideration when democrats are trying to impose restrictions on law abiding gun owners this year. Laws only effect the law abiding, not the criminals. Inherently criminals do not obey the law.

Bobby Bobbertson Feb 6, 2016 - 6:04 pm

Cops would have mowed the guy down the same way and gotten off scott-free. Why is this man, being victimized not allowed the right to also take down the perp? It’s self-defense. Perp stole a car at gunpoint, and could have KILLED someone in that car or with his gun.

Victim defended everyone else who might have been victimized.

Nick Feb 6, 2016 - 8:38 pm

I’m not a liberal, but a law abiding citizen. Any law abiding citizen calls the police when they’re a victim of a crime. Any crime. It’s common sense. You call the police, as well as your insurance company for your vehicle. If you feel differently, you’re ignorant and uneducated. We’re all sick of crime, but you can’t take the law into your own hands. Lopez is ignorant of the law as well, and so is everyone who doesn’t get it. Wise up.

Focusonthesolution Feb 7, 2016 - 11:05 am

Lopez is a human being just like you, with a different mentality, ethnicity, career, metabolism, partner, etc. If you are so “Educated” you understand the police would have done the same thing right? Wise up.

jay Feb 6, 2016 - 8:54 pm

He should of shot him in the van when he was in fear of his life and self defense. Not a fleeing suspect. Bad shoot.

DIRTY WATERS Feb 7, 2016 - 12:48 am

Shit happens …A.P.D. is a joke always has been always will be…

DIRTY WATERS Feb 7, 2016 - 1:09 am

SHIT HAPPENS THATS LIFE DEAL WITH IT….A.P.D IS THE WORST OF THEM ALL ALWAYS HAS BEEN AN ALWAYS WILL BE …

Where did Antioch go wrong??????? Feb 7, 2016 - 2:13 pm

Sounds like you got hemmed up by a good Antioch cop. Hahaha. Don’t be butt hurt, just go out and keep trying.

Allahu akbarbarian Feb 7, 2016 - 2:43 am

Before law it’s always been reflex, homeostasis. Biology 101. We are animals like it or not. Your genes are 99% similar to a chimp. Plain and simple so live accordingly….. Anyways fuck the black market; smart dudes on that WHITE collar crime all day. No face to face. Do it like the banks and Feds do to us, behind our backs, no paper trail blah blah blah

Melissa Feb 7, 2016 - 4:22 am

At what point did Mr. lopez act outside of the law? He was carjacked at gun point, he had no duty to retreat, he stood his ground. Here are the CA penal codes that give him these rights.

4.4. Penal Code 211 robbery

Penal Code 211 robbery is defined as the taking of another’s property from his/her possession or immediate presence accomplished by force or fear. 49 As a “forcible and atrocious crime,” it will be presumed that you acted reasonably if you defended yourself while you were being robbed.

Using deadly force in self-defense will be excused if a gun or other weapon was used during the commission of the robbery.

CA 505. Justifiable Homicide: Self-Defense or Defense of Another

[A defendant is not required to retreat. He or she is entitled to stand his or her ground and defend himself or herself and, if reasonably necessary, to pursue an assailant until the danger of (death/great bodily injury/ ) has passed. This is so even if safety could have been achieved by retreating.]

Sonya.T Feb 7, 2016 - 10:20 am

At what point did the police recover the weapon used in the alleged carjacking?

Melissa Bishop-Boos Feb 8, 2016 - 2:48 pm

Police have given a statement and they do not typically report unsubstantiated facts.

“Upon further investigation it was learned that Lopez had parked in the Rite Aid lot and was sitting in his van while using his phone. While sitting in his van a subject unknown to him opened the door and got in and attempted to rob him at gunpoint,” explained Fuhrmann.

If there was no gun found to collaborate Mr. Lopez’ recount of what happened then that would have been mentioned since it would have immediately disqualified him from any self defense claims and any claims , complaints, and bad publicity the department is getting for the decision to arrest him for murder.

The failure to report if a gun was found; however, is common practice because one, finding a gun does not automatically mean it belonged to the car jacker, Mr. lopez could have had another gun in his van. Two, it could lead to the community becoming too biased which would result in complications for finding a fair, impartial jury if there is a trial.

Focusonthesolution Feb 7, 2016 - 11:07 am

Great! Thank you!

mike Feb 7, 2016 - 7:46 am

The good part…There is one more dead bad guy. Not taking a dime from the governement. A possible taxpayer savings of 100’s of thousands of dollars in the life on one scum.

al Feb 7, 2016 - 12:49 pm

Of course he would be arrested…his last name is “Lopez”! This is Antioch.

Lisa Feb 7, 2016 - 3:03 pm

Not trying to be rude but 4 anyone who does not know leo lopez please keep any negitive comments to ur self til more details are released. The family is working hard to help fight this issue. And most important his xhildren do not need to be reading things on the internet especially untrue comments… No one kniws the real story so please keep ur rude comments off here. Thank u
FOF.

HStell Feb 7, 2016 - 3:37 pm

So, let me get this straight. In a single day, there were two carjackings within a 3 mile radius, plus a fatal shooting associated with one of those incidents. I’m no expert, but if you have a teen who’s driving around the Antioch area, you need to stop and think about this. They’re headed for the bank, the drug store, the movies, the fast food joiints. . .really?

Pickle Feb 7, 2016 - 8:29 pm

Yeah, let’s just stay in our homes afraid!

hstell Feb 8, 2016 - 9:43 am

These carjackings weren’t late at night at some iffy venue. One was early afternoon and one was fairly early in the evening, both at heavily frequented public areas. At the very least, people need some training in what to do if they get carjacked, since anyone with a brain can see that this is no longer a far-fetched idea in our area. It’s obviously not only possible, but likely. And yes, you’d be better off to stay home than actually get caught up in one of these situations. It’s no longer a strange idea that you can easily witness a wild high-speed chase down 18th resulting in a fiery crash, or a stabbing right in front of the convenience store. As the incidents increase, the numbers of innocent bystanders who are injured or killed will also increase. That much is inevitable. We’ve actually been fairly lucky so far.

Larry Feb 7, 2016 - 7:56 pm

Larry Johnson please reply? Larry Johnson where did you go ? Hum

Nancy Feb 8, 2016 - 1:28 am

Sounds like Melissa has it correct. So why is this man being arrested? He was being robbed by the Pittsburg guy at gunpoint. He obviously feared for his life. Why is he being arrested for murder?

robert g Feb 8, 2016 - 6:18 am

Totally bogus charge. Only the Pro-crime crowd will be upset that a carjacker is dead. The man who shot him should be given a medal. Stronger stand your ground laws are obviously needed.

Pedro Garcia Feb 8, 2016 - 10:02 am

Thank God that carjacker is dead. One less POS Off our streets. Thank you MR LOPEZ, we need more people like that. I praise you! Hope they let you free sir!

Sue Feb 8, 2016 - 2:27 pm

The young man who died went to Pre school K and 1st grade with my daughter. So sad how his life ended . SMH Wish he had made better choices in life.

Unome Feb 9, 2016 - 9:07 am

ECT,
Please keep us updated on Mr Lopez’s charges. Unless there is information we have not been provided I would believe he should be a free man with no charges. This case is very interesting based on the seriousness of the carjacking and robbery crime committed. People should call the Chief and DA to voice their disapproval of charges against him. Victims of robbery have rights too.

Reptiles Rule The World Feb 9, 2016 - 1:32 pm

When a criminals dies it’s a better day.
He played a stupid game and won a stupid p
rize. Hopefully he gets a jury with one intelligent person on it

Joanna Feb 9, 2016 - 2:50 pm

Instead of all you people rushing to judgement and saying Ricky got what he deserved , you might want to wait till all the fact’s are in, a second person has also been arrested . So who knows maybe it was more like a set up and made to look like a car jacking!!!! I’m just saying though!

john doe Feb 10, 2016 - 8:14 am

Man rick was a great guh lopez is a criminal too

Unome Feb 10, 2016 - 1:28 pm

News Flash scumbags, Lopez will not be charged with murder. You never know when a good guy has a gun and will use it on scumbags doing felony crimes.

RJB! Feb 10, 2016 - 1:36 pm

I read in contra Costa times mr. Lopez will not be charged.

Woohoo!!!

F U to all those who supported the car jacker. You were probably his ghetto family and friends.

Glad you’re free Mr. Lopez.

Comments are closed.