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Rigoberto Lopez Jr.

Gender : Male

Age : 32

Race : Latino/a/e

Date : 07/17/2025

Location : Oakwood Apartments, Avenue 327 / Road 158

City : Ivanhoe

County : Tulare

State : California

Agency : Tulare County Sheriff’s Office CATTCH Unit / SWAT

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Killed by police during attempted arrest

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On July 17, 2025, officers with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, including members of the CATTCH Unit and SWAT, located 32-year-old Rigoberto Lopez Jr. at an apartment within the Oakwood Apartments complex. Lopez was a paroled felon wanted for murder and attempted murder related to a shooting incident that occurred on July 7, when he allegedly shot a victim in the face and fled the area.
Sheriff’s deputies conducted an extended operation, during which multiple evacuation announcements were broadcast to nearby residents over the course of more than an hour, urging evacuation for safety. During a search of the apartment, Lopez was found concealed behind a linen cabinet.
Lopez opened fire on the deputies from his concealed position. Deputies returned fire, striking Lopez multiple times. Emergency medical personnel provided aid at the scene before Lopez was pronounced dead.
One detective sustained minor injuries during the confrontation but was treated and released. Following the shooting, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office requested the Visalia Police Department to oversee the investigation, ensuring independent review and transparency.
The incident raised concerns about the level of violence and risks faced by law enforcement during apprehensions of armed and dangerous peoples The case is ongoing, with authorities reviewing body camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/69388-tulare-county-sheriff-releases-additional-details-on-suspect-fatally-shot-during-officer-involved-shooting-in-ivanhoe
https://abc30.com/post/suspect-shooting-involving-tulare-county-sheriffs-deputies-identified/17300209/
https://abc30.com/post/tulare-county-sheriffs-deputies-exchange-gunfire-suspect-during-search-warrant-ivanhoe/17172669/
https://kmph.com/news/local/man-killed-in-shootout-with-detectives-in-tulare-co-county-sheriffs-office-suspect-apartments-ivanhoe-drone-cattch