On June 2, just after 7:30 p.m., Garland police officers responded to a motel in the 6200 block of Broadway Boulevard where private bond agents were attempting to locate 33-year-old Juan Carlos Lopez, who was wanted on multiple counts of a felony warrant for Sexual Assault of a Child. The bond agents had received information that Lopez was likely staying at the America’s Best Value Inn, located at 6222 Broadway Boulevard.
Officers arrived and learned that multiple private bond agents were on scene, and they believed that Lopez was inside one of the rooms.
Police officers on scene heard gunfire and learned a private bond agent had been shot inside a room. The officers were able to communicate with the downed bond agent, but he was unable to crawl to safety.
A team of Garland police officers entered the room to rescue the private bond agent and encountered the armed suspect. Officers gave Lopez multiple orders to show his hands. Lopez raised his hands, holding a firearm and shot himself in the head. Almost simultaneously, three GPD officers fired their weapon, also striking Lopez.
The Garland Police Department has obtained additional footage, recorded by a private citizen, which captures video of the private bond agents attempting to enter the hotel room.
The private bond agent was transported to a hospital and later pronounced deceased. The armed suspect died at the scene.
The identity of the private bond agent is not being released pending notification of next of kin.
GPD detectives and members of the Dallas County district attorney’s office Public Integrity Unit responded to the scene to investigate according to standard procedures.
The three officers, a five-year veteran, a two-year veteran and another two-year veteran, have been placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with departmental policy.
This continues to be an active investigation.