Two Injured in El Centro Assault; Suspect Arrested for Attempted Homicide
EL CENTRO — A violent altercation on Thursday morning left two individuals hospitalized with severe injuries and resulted in the arrest of a 36-year-old El Centro man on suspicion of attempted homicide.
At approximately 11:43 a.m. on May 15, officers with the El Centro Police Department responded to a report of an assault near the 300 block of Eucalyptus Avenue. According to the department, a caller reported being struck in the head with a blunt object and stated that another individual had sustained life-threatening injuries.
When officers arrived, they located two victims suffering from critical injuries. Emergency personnel from the El Centro Fire Department and American Medical Response (AMR) were dispatched to the scene, where they provided additional medical care before transporting the victims for further treatment.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, identified as Richard Lopez Jr., allegedly attacked both victims during a physical confrontation. Authorities say Lopez fled the scene before officers arrived. However, responding officers were able to obtain a description of the suspect and quickly located and arrested him without further incident.
Lopez, described as a Hispanic male adult, was booked into the Imperial County Jail on multiple felony charges, including attempted homicide under Penal Code 664/187. Police also confirmed he had an outstanding warrant at the time of arrest.
Investigators believe the incident was a targeted attack involving individuals known to one another. The El Centro Police Department has stated there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the general public.
“We commend our officers for their swift action and commitment to keeping our community safe,” the department said in a press release. Authorities also expressed gratitude to members of the public who came forward with information that assisted in the rapid apprehension of the suspect.
The case remains under investigation by the El Centro Police Department’s Investigations Bureau. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Detective A. Garrido at (760) 352-2111, visit the department in person, or reach out via official social media platforms.