Suspect In Child Sexual Abuse Case Shot And Killed By Police

RENO, NEVADA — In February 2020, Abel Lopez-Lopez faced accusations of sexually abusing his wife S.L.’s child, causing a day-long dispute which culminated in a hostage situation at their apartment. The allegations had been reported by the victim and a teacher, prompting police involvement. The Sparks Police Department (SPD) was tipped off about the hostage situation by S.L.’s older daughter, who received messages from S.L. suggesting that Lopez-Lopez was threatening her life. The SPD tracked S.L.’s phone and located the couple’s secondary residence.

Upon reaching the apartment, SPD and Reno Police Department (RPD) officers created an Emergency Action Team (E.A.T.) and assessed the situation as an active hostage scenario. The E.A.T. included Officers Dustin Beauford, Brett Zolkos, Chris Rose, Bryan Yee, and Daniel Jones. On entering the apartment after S.L. opened and quickly shut the door, the officers found Lopez-Lopez armed with a pistol. In response, Officers Beauford, Jones, and Rose fired their weapons, causing fatal injuries to Lopez-Lopez. S.L. was safely evacuated and transported for medical treatment. The Washoe County District Attorney subsequently ruled the officers’ actions as justified under Nevada law.