UPDATE (3:01 p.m. 5/8):
An interim complaint sheds more light on what happened at the QuikTrip Tuesday:
According to the complaint, a uniformed officer was inside of the QuikTrip at Golf Links and Wilmot at around 9:44 in the morning.
While inside the store, the suspect, Richard Rene Lopez was seen by the store clerk shoplifting. The clerk told Lopez to leave, which he did, but he returned moments later, the complaint said.
Lopez poured hot coffee into a Thermos-type container, then threw the coffee at the clerk. The coffee hit the clerk in the face.
The officer ran after Lopez, who ran toward Golf Links, the complaint said.
As the officer caught up to Lopez, Lopez threw a bag he was carrying at the officer, the complaint said.
Both Lopez and the officer went to the ground. Lopez stood up and began striking the officer in the head with an object inside of the bag, the complaint said.
Following the attack, Lopez started walking west and the officer followed.
The two went to the ground again with Lopez on top of the officer, the complaint said.
Lopez was seen on surveillance camera swinging a bag four times at the officer's upper torso, the complaint said.
A citizen stepped in and assisted in detaining Lopez. Responding officers took them into custody, the complaint said.
The officer was taken to the hospital for evaluation. He had swelling to his left cheek, his left eye was bruised and swollen shut, the complaint said. The officer had two lacerations to his left cheek and had a cut on the back of his head, the complaint said.
After a medical evaluation, doctors determined the officer would require sutures to close the lacerations to his left cheek. His left cheekbone was fractured, the complaint said.
Detectives found tuna cans among the items belonging to Lopez.
In a statement released Thursday, the Tucson Police Officers Association expressed deep concern over the incident and criticized the bond set for Lopez.
“We are deeply disappointed and seriously concerned that the bond was set at just $200,000,” the statement read. “This amount does not reflect the severity of this violent assault or the clear and ongoing threat Richard Lopez poses to the public.”
The association emphasized the broader issue of repeat offenders and the increasing risks faced by law enforcement and local businesses. Prosecutors had requested no bond, citing Lopez’s criminal history and the violent nature of the attack.
Pima County Attorney Laura Conover also released a statement Thursday, saying, "When they [prosecutors] believe a person is presenting as an ongoing threat of harm, they will argue either for a high enough bond to detain someone, or in certain cases, we will argue for no bond to ensure the person cannot be released. "
Conover said in her statement that she is unable to make comments specifically related to this open case, but concluded by saying she hopes cash bail laws can one day be changed.
“This is the reality of policing in Tucson,” the association stated. “A revolving door of individuals with extensive criminal histories who continue to victimize our community.”
The association also thanked community members who assisted in detaining Lopez and reiterated support for Berra during his recovery.
To read TPOA's full statement, visit the association's Facebook page.
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UPDATE (1:44 p.m. 5/7):
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero issued the following statement on the assault of the Tucson Police officer at Golf Links and Wilmot:
I am deeply troubled about the violent assault against a Tucson Police Officer yesterday near Golf Links and Wilmot. This incident is a reminder of the risks our officers face every day. I am grateful to the two bystanders who stepped in to assist during this dangerous encounter.
I also want to thank the responding officers and detectives who acted quickly to ensure the safety of everyone involved. In order to keep our officers and community safe, it is important for all of our regional partners to come together and address the Fentanyl/Opioid Public Health Crisis we are living through.
Our City remains committed to ensuring accountability, safety, and support for those who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us and our community safe.
I want to extend my support to the Police Officer and wish them a swift and full recovery as they heals from injuries sustained in the line of duty while protecting our community.
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UPDATE (5/7):
A Tucson Police Officer was seriously injured while trying to arrest a shoplifting suspect outside a convenience store at the corner of Golf Links and Wilmot Tuesday, Tucson Police say.
Police say the officer saw 38-year-old Richard Rene Lopez assault an employee inside the QuikTrip. TPD says Lopez assaulted the employee when he confronted him for shoplifting.
When the officer intervened, Lopez took off running. The officer chased him, telling him to stop, and eventually caught up in the parking lot. Lopez and the officer fought, and the officer was hit in the face. More police arrived and were able to arrest Lopez.
TPD says the officer was seriously injured, but will recover. The store employee was not hurt.
Lopez was taken to the hospital. Once he's released, he'll face charges of Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer, Aggravated Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Aggravated Assault Causing Serious Injury.
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A large police presence was seen at the QuikTrip on the corner of Golf Links Road and Wilmot Road Tuesday morning.
Tucson Police say they detained one person after a chase, and there is no danger to the public.
A spokesperson for TPD said, "An officer sustained some kind of injury while detaining the individual."
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