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Gilroy Police release video from officer-involved shooting

GILROY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- UPDATE Oct. 7, 2021 at 1:55 p.m. Gilroy Police released the footage from the officer-involved shooting that killed a man on Sept. 8.

The encounters started after an attempted homicide suspect, later identified as David Lopez, asked to meet with the police outside of Gilroy post office.

The video showed Lopez firing multiple shots at the patrol car while the officer was parking. The officer got out of her patrol car to fire back. In the video you see Lopez getting ready to shoot at another officer that arrived, but the officer shot and killed Lopez.

Police reported there weren't any bystanders hurt. Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office and Gilroy Police Department are still investigating the incident.

UPDATE Sept. 10 2021 at 2:38 p.m. Gilroy Police have identified the man who was killed after exchanging gunfire with a female police officer this week.

The individual is identified as 40-year-old David Lopez of Gilroy and police say he had a warrant out for his arrest for attempted murder.

Lopez was believed to have shot and wounded an individual at close range during an incident at the 8500 block of Wren Avenue on August 31, 2021.

Days later, on September 8, 2021 at 2:30 a.m., dispatchers got a call from a male identifying themselves as Dave Lopez.

Police say the caller told the dispatcher that police were looking for him and he would be waiting at the Gilroy Post Office on 100 Fourth Street.

While on the call, Lopez claimed he was unarmed and intoxicated. Lopez had also agreed to remain on the phone line with the dispatcher as police were heading to his location.

When the first officer on scene arrived, she used her vehicle's public address system to instruct Lopez to lay on the ground. Police say Lopez immediately started firing at the officer with a handgun, striking her patrol car.

Investigators learned the officer was able to get out of the car and return fire. During this exchange, Lopez discarded his initial weapon and pulled out a second handgun in an attempt to use it against the officer.

Lopez was eventually shot once and was later pronounced dead. Police say both handguns were recovered at the scene and the shootout lasted for less than a minute.

The Gilroy Police officer who exchanged gunfire with Lopez was unharmed in the incident. No bystanders were involved or suffered injuries as a result.

Body-camera video of the incident is currently being reviewed as the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Christopher Silva at (408) 846-0335. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call our Tip Line at 408-846-0330. For media inquiries please call (408) 846-0347.

UPDATE Sept. 8, 2021 at 12:37 p.m. Gilroy Police confirm that a Hispanic adult male has died following an officer-involved shooting at the 100 block of Fourth Street in Gilroy.

Investigators say police received a call about an intoxicated man at a business on Fourth Street at around 2:30 a.m.

When the first officer arrived he encountered the subject, who would "within seconds" fire a shot at the officer with a handgun.

Police say the officer returned fire and the man was shot during the exchange. He would later die of his injuries.

The identity of the individual is not being provided at this time by police. No officers were shot during this incident.

Gilroy Police's Investigations Bureau and Internal Affairs Department is currently investigating while an independent investigation is being conducted by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Christopher Silva at (408) 846-0335.  Those wishing to remain anonymous may call our Tip Line at 408-846-0330.   For media inquiries please call (408) 846-0347.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Gilroy Police have blocked off an area of the city after an officer-involved shooting early Wednesday morning.

In a tweet, police are asking the public to avoid the area of Fourth and Eigleberry Street.

No other information has been provided.

https://twitter.com/GilroyPD/status/1435605092435116034?s=20

This is a developing story

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Victor Guzman

Victor Guzman is the Assistant News Director at KION News Channel 5/46.

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