Arturo Robert Lopez, 46

Arturo Robert Lopez, a 46-year-old Latino, was shot and killed by a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy on Friday, July 3, in the 3100 block of West Avenue K-4 in Lancaster, according to L.A. County coroner’s records. 

The incident began about 11:30 p.m. when members of the Gang Unit's Operation Safe Streets Bureau were patrolling on foot and saw two men walking on the street. 

The men appeared to be intoxicated and the deputies asked them to stop and talk, but the men allegedly ignored the commands, sheriff's Lt. John Corina said.

"They actually tried to run away, and then one of the suspects pulled out a gun and fired on them," Corina said. "He didn't hit the deputies, but they returned fire and shot him."

Corina said the man, later identified as Lopez, was struck twice in the upper torso. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:44 p.m., according to coroner’s records. 

A semi-automatic handgun was recovered next to his body, Corina said. Family members told investigators that the gun belonged to Lopez, he said. 

Lopez's companion, described only as Latino, ran away across a dirt field and out of view. The deputies searched for him but could not find him. He did not have a weapon, Corina said, and was not struck by the gunfire. 

Corina said investigators learned that Lopez lived in an apartment a few blocks from where he died. He said Lopez had two adult children and two minor children. 

Initial news releases about the incident said the shooting occurred in the 43100 block of West Avenue K-4 but the department later corrected the location to the 3100 block.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

— Jeanette Marantos