DEPARTMENT:
San Antonio Police Department
END OF WATCH:
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
On February 17, 1977, Officer Val Lopez, Jr., responded to a call regarding a man with a gun at a bar. He was initially the cover officer but was closer, so he reached the scene first. According to witnesses, as soon as Officer Lopez entered the bar, the suspect began to shoot. Officer Lopez was shot twice. One bullet struck his abdomen and the other hit his badge first before striking his chest.
The suspect was identified as 41-year-old Jack Barber. He was charged and convicted with attempt to Commit Capital Murder. He was sentenced to life in prison and has since died.
While Officer Lopez eventually returned to duty and served another 29 years, he never fully recovered from the wound to his abdomen. Officer Lopez developed complications during surgery and died on June 21, 2006.
Officer Lopez leaves behind a wife and two daughters. He was buried in the Mission Park South Cemetery in San Antonio.
THE 100 CLUB OF SAN ANTONIO WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF ITS SUPPORTERS. WITHOUT YOUR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS, WE WOULD BE UNABLE TO PROVIDE FOR THE FAMILIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE WHILE SERVING OUR COMMUNITY!
