Tucson officer hospitalized after attack at eastside gas station | Crime

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – A Tucson police officer is recovering in the hospital after being seriously injured in an attack at a gas station on Golf Links and Wilmot.

The incident occurred yesterday morning when the officer witnessed a shoplifting suspect assault a store employee inside the Quick Trip. The officer attempted to intervene, leading to a confrontation in the parking lot.

The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Richard Lopez, ran but was caught by the officer. According to Tucson police, Lopez then attacked the officer, causing facial injuries.

Two bystanders who witnessed the attack stepped in to help the injured officer. A nearby business manager, Julie Bergquist, described the response from officers who rushed to assist their colleague.

“I saw an officer walk over to the Q-T and then a few minutes later, the officers he was with drove out of here really fast with their lights on and went over the QT. That’s the last until I saw them tape it all off over there,” Bergquist said.

Bergquist noted she was startled by the incident happening in broad daylight. “In the middle of the day, too. That’s just crazy that they’re doing that,” she said.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero expressed her concern, stating, “This incident is a reminder of the risks our officers face every day. I am grateful to the two bystanders who stepped in to assist during this dangerous encounter. I also want to thank the responding officers and detectives who acted quickly to ensure the safety of everyone involved. In order to keep our officers and community safe, it is important for all of our regional partners to come together and address the Fentanyl/Opioid Public Health Crisis we are living through.”

The investigation is ongoing as officials work to understand the full details of the event.