-Editorial
A 57-year-old El Centro man was arrested the morning of Aug. 15 after police responded to two separate reports that were later determined to involve the same individual.
At approximately 11:00 a.m., El Centro Police Department officers were dispatched to the 2400 block of West Orange Avenue for a welfare check on a man reportedly under the influence of an unknown substance and armed with a firearm. While officers were attempting to locate him, dispatch received another call reporting that a man with a firearm had entered the Imperial County Administration Building at 940 West Main Street.
Officers quickly responded to the scene. With assistance from the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office and county staff, law enforcement safely detained the suspect, identified as Jerry Lopez, 57, of El Centro. The firearm he carried was secured, police said.
According to officials, Lopez was acting erratically and made statements about possessing additional firearms at his residence. A search warrant was executed at his home, where additional weapons were recovered.
Lopez was booked into the Imperial County Jail on multiple charges. Authorities emphasized that there is no evidence that the incident involved a targeted victim or specific threat.
The El Centro Police Department’s Investigations Bureau continues to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective D. Crankshaw at (760) 352-2111, visit the department in person, or reach out through official social media channels.
