Alexander Antonio Lopez dies in fatal San Francisco shooting
Fatal San Francisco shooting death of Alexander Antonio Lopez – Obituary
San Francisco police have reported that Officer Paul Balza acted in self-defense when he fatally shot 28-year-old Alexander Antonio Lopez near Civic Center last week.
The shooting occurred after Lopez fired at the officer, according to department officials.
Surveillance footage of the incident, which occurred on July 21 and was reviewed by the San Francisco Standard, captured the moment Balza fired at Lopez as he fled down an alley. The video initially raised concerns about the use of deadly force.
Acting Commander Mark Im revealed during a virtual town hall that Balza and his partner had responded to an armed robbery report when they encountered Lopez near Willow Street and Van Ness Avenue.
Lopez’s black and red scooter matched the description of the suspect’s vehicle from an earlier robbery that night.
As Lopez abandoned his scooter in front of the police vehicle and began to flee west on Willow Street, Balza exited the car and instructed Lopez to halt twice. Lopez reportedly turned, raised a firearm, and shot at Balza.
He then aimed his gun again before Balza fired back, causing Lopez to collapse.
After the shooting, Balza and his partner, who had taken cover behind a parked car, instructed Lopez to drop his weapon and reveal his hands.
Additional officers from the Tenderloin Station arrived to assist and provide aid. Lopez was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The items recovered from the scene, including Lopez’s firearm and scooter, were consistent with those described in the robbery report made around 11:25 p.m. near Leavenworth Street.
The incident is currently under review by multiple agencies, including the district attorney’s office, the chief medical examiner’s office, and the Department of Police Accountability. This shooting marks at least the second involving San Francisco police this year, following five incidents in 2023 and four in 2022.
Fatal San Francisco shooting death of Alexander Antonio Lopez – Obituary San Francisco police have reported that Officer Paul Balza acted in self-defense when he fatally shot 28-year-old Alexander Antonio Lopez near Civic Center last week. The shooting occurred after Lopez fired at the officer, according to department officials. Surveillance footage of the incident, which…
Fatal San Francisco shooting death of Alexander Antonio Lopez – Obituary San Francisco police have reported that Officer Paul Balza acted in self-defense when he fatally shot 28-year-old Alexander Antonio Lopez near Civic Center last week. The shooting occurred after Lopez fired at the officer, according to department officials. Surveillance footage of the incident, which…