Two are dead in Garland after a warrant was served at a motel. The Garland Police Department alleges that a suspect who fatally shot a bounty hunter on June 2 in a motel room did the same to himself when cops opened fire on him.
The incident happened shortly after 7:30 p.m. Police reported several private investigators were attempting to serve a warrant issued to someone staying in a motel room along Broadway Boulevard.
A FOX 4 viewer captured on video what looks to be two of the private detectives standing outside of the motel room, one of whom is holding a firearm.
Garland police officers stationed in the car park as backup heard the gunfire. They concluded that one among the private detectives or bail bonds agents had been killed in the hotel room located on the second floor.
The private detective who had been shot is then shown being retrieved by Garland police officers. Upon entering the room, the officers encountered the suspect, who was reportedly armed.
Police officers ordered Lopez to put down his gun, according to Garland PD. Instead, he allegedly raised the firearm to his head and killed himself. At the same time, three officers discharged their weapons simultaneously.
“These individuals were attempting to execute a warrant. Unfortunately, another life had to be sacrificed after a worker was slain while fulfilling their duties. Whenever just one life is taken, regardless of the circumstances, it is a sad tragedy,” said Lt. Pedro Barineau of the Garland Police Department.
At first, the police believed that they had killed the suspect who allegedly fatally shot the private investigator. After further investigation, it was determined that the officers who opened fire on the subject after he drew his gun had shot him after he shot himself. Officers said Lopez died at the site.
The bounty hunter was taken to the hospital but eventually died there. There has been no public announcement made regarding the identity of the deceased private investigator.
A father and his four kids sought cover behind their bed on the opposite side of Lopez’s bedroom. Bullet holes through the fridge and the bathtub can be seen in crime scene photos.
According to the available records, Lopez was convicted of multiple charges of sexual assault on a minor that took place in 2019. According to records, a further charge of endangering the welfare of a child was filed in 2021. In April of that year, he was arrested and taken to the Denton County jail. Five months later, he posted bond and was released.
It is unknown if the warrants served resulted from a bond breach on earlier accusations or if there were additional charges against the individual.
Following police procedure after an officer-involved shooting, the three Garland police officers who fired their weapons will be put on paid leave as the District Attorney’s Office begins investigating the incident.