In a recent conversation with Sheriff John Myers, we delved into the events surrounding an incident that took place early Wednesday morning involving Deputy Sheriff Klein. Sheriff Myers provided an update on Klein’s condition and the subsequent arrest of a suspect. He began by reassuring us that Deputy Klein is in excellent spirits and is progressing well in his recovery. Following surgery the previous afternoon, Klein is expected to be discharged and return home within the next few days.
In stark contrast, the suspect, identified as Lopez, is facing a much grimmer situation. Currently held at the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, he is awaiting his transfer to prison, although he has yet to be formally arraigned. Lopez is facing a total of 15 charges, some of which are not related to the recent incident but stem from previous offenses. Sheriff Myers noted that law enforcement had been actively pursuing Lopez for some time, particularly after he evaded capture during a chase a couple of months ago.
Just days prior to the incident, authorities received a tip regarding Lopez’s whereabouts, prompting them to set up surveillance in the area. When Lopez drove through, officers initiated a stop. However, he attempted to ram his vehicle into one of the deputies. In response, Deputy Klein fired a shot that struck Lopez, an action Sheriff Myers deemed entirely justified. Following the incident, investigators discovered evidence in the vehicle linked to the shooting.
The investigation continued throughout the night and into the early morning hours, with the vehicle being towed from the scene around 4:30 AM. The following day, around 11 AM, Lopez made a critical mistake by seeking assistance at a nearby residence. The homeowner promptly contacted law enforcement, leading to a swift response from a team of about ten officers who surrounded the area. After searching various structures, they located Lopez hiding in a hay barn, where he was found with a gunshot wound to his right shoulder. He was subsequently transported to the hospital for surgery before being booked into jail on multiple charges, including attempted murder.
Sheriff Myers emphasized the importance of teamwork and expressed gratitude to all the first responders involved in the operation. While he did not have a complete list of names, he acknowledged their dedication and hard work during the incident and the subsequent search efforts. As the sheriff concluded, he reiterated that Deputy Klein is on the mend and that Lopez is now in custody, awaiting the judicial process to unfold.