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Rafael Lopez Jr., Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Police Pursuit

 

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced Rafael Lopez Jr., 27-years old, has been sentenced to two years in state prison for leading police on a pursuit that concluded in a Metro tunnel. Lopez Jr. pleaded no contest to three felony counts in case VA147070, which includes fleeing a pursuing peace officer’s motor vehicle and driving against traffic, driving or taking a vehicle without consent, and hit-and-run driving resulting in injury to another person.

Police observed a reported stolen truck near Gage and Salt Lake avenues in Huntington Park, on the evening of February 20th.  After attempting to pull over the vehicle, the truck’s driver later identified as the suspect continued driving, and during the police pursuit, Lopez drove at high speeds running through red lights, traveling on the wrong side of the road and hitting another vehicle according to prosecutors. He also drove onto the light rail lines of the Metro Gold Line and into an underground tunnel, wherein he abanded the vehicle.

Authorities found Lopez hiding in a closet inside the tunnel, he was subsequently taken into custody. This case was investigated by the Huntington Park Police Department.