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2h ago

California DOJ Declines Charges in Hemet Police Killing of Jimmy Lopez

Investigators said they could not prove officers did not act in self-defense beyond a reasonable doubt.

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Hemet police found this airsoft pistol close to the body of Jimmy Lopez, according to a California Department of Justice report on its investigation into the shooting that happened on July 4, 2024. (Courtesy of California Department of Justice)

Overview

  • The public report released Sept. 29 under AB 1506 closes the state's criminal review of the July 4, 2024 shooting.
  • The Department of Justice said it will not recommend changes to Hemet Police Department policies specific to this incident.
  • State investigators reported that eight officers fired 69 rounds after Jimmy Lopez raised a replica handgun.
  • Evidence showed the object was an airsoft pistol modeled on a Glock 19, and video captured Lopez retrieving it after first picking up a vape pen.
  • A separate internal Hemet police review is nearing completion and has so far found no use-of-force violations, according to a department spokeswoman.