An 18-year-old was shot and killed by police while reaching for a gun during a traffic stop in Santa Ana on Wednesday night, cops said — as video circulating on social media appears to show the teen with his arms raised moments before the shooting.
Victor Lopez, 18, who was driving with his girlfriend and 1-year-old child at the time, exited his vehicle with a handgun in the parking lot of the Spectrum apartments off East 3rd Street, Santa Ana police said.
Fox
Police say Lopez attempted to grab a gun before officers opened fire. FoxA clip of the incident showed Lopez in the parking lot with his hands in the air just before multiple gunshots rang out.
Officers said that he was armed with the gun but dropped it just before showing his hands, Santa Ana Police Officer Natalie Garcia told the California Post.
“The officer sees the firearm fall out of the car and gives commands not to retrieve it,” Garcia said.”[Lopez] attempted to retrieve it and did not follow the command,” prompting the officer to open fire.
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The video showed Lopez walking out of frame before cops said he reached for the weapon. At least three rounds were fired, according to the clip.
The teen was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the incident was sparked by Lopez refusing to comply when an officer attempted to stop the car near East 4th and French streets around 10:30 p.m.
A short chase ensued before Lopez pulled into the parking lot.
It is not clear whether he had any history with law enforcement.
