Arrest Made in Firearm Incident on North Monroe Street
March 22, 2019
At approximately 10:50 p.m. last night, TPD officers responded to a call at 3210 North Monroe Street, the Waffle House, regarding an altercation involving someone firing a gun. When officers arrived at the location, there was no active incident. While investigating the incident, it was discovered the suspect was involved in an altercation inside the business and fired a shot in the parking lot. The suspect ran into a hotel room at the Baymont by Wyndham Hotel next door.
Officers attempted to contact the suspect in his room but he refused to come out. Members of TPD’s Tactical Apprehension and Control (TAC) Team who have specialized training in communicating with people in this type of incident came to the location to assist. Repeated attempts were made to contact the suspect, who was known to be inside the room, however the suspect did not acknowledge the officers. The members deployed a noise flash diversion device to gain the suspect’s attention. After a short period time, the suspect complied with the officers’ request to come out of the room. Joseph Lopez was arrested immediately and a loaded 9mm handgun was located. Thankfully, there was no report of injury to hotel patrons, officers or the arrestee.
Mr. Lopez was transported to the Leon County Detention Facility for processing and the firearm was impounded. TPD would like to thank the witnesses for assisting by providing pertinent information leading to an arrest.
Arrested:
Joseph E. Lopez, 26 YOA
Charges:
Carrying a Concealed Firearm Unlicensed pursuant to Florida Statute 790.01
Discharging a Firearm in Public pursuant to Florida Statute 790.15(1).
Resisting an Officer without Violence pursuant to Florida Statute 843.02.
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