Man wanted in Easton bank robberies shot by Tulare police; woman also is hit
A man accused of a string of robberies in Easton was shot by police officers in Tulare on Tuesday, police said.
Tulare police arrested 36-year-old Ignacio Lopez and the driver of the car, Melissa Sarver, 50, both of Fresno, after they led officers in a pursuit.
Police said the suspects were traveling at a high rate of speed around 11:30 a.m. on roads in the eastern area of Tulare until the car collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Mooney Boulevard and Prosperity Avenue.
Officers said Lopez got out of the car and fired at police.
The three officers returned fire, striking Lopez and the driver.
Lopez, Sarver and the driver of other car in the collision were transported to a hospital and expected to be OK, police said.
None of the officers were injured.
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office is helping with the investigation.
Lopez is wanted by Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals for three bank robberies in Easton.
Lopez was arrested late July for the robberies but posted bail and left the Fresno County Jail on July 28. He didn’t show up for court on Aug. 4, prompting a new warrant for his arrest.
This story was originally published August 18, 2020 at 5:51 PM.
