Yavapai County sergeant shot, killed by suspect in Cordes Lakes

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) - Officials confirmed a Yavapai County sergeant has died after he was shot by a suspect in Cordes Lakes on Tuesday afternoon. Police say the suspect is in custody after an hours-long standoff. YCSO confirmed Sgt. Richard Lopez died surrounded by his family at a Phoenix hospital.

Dozens of law enforcement were at HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center in Phoenix to honor Lopez. Motorcycles and patrol cars were lined up outside the emergency room entrance of the hospital as a procession began around 8 p.m. to escort Lopez’s body to the downtown Phoenix medical examiner’s office. Several people were seen showing their support, with one person holding a sign that says “I love police.”

Police say the suspect is now in custody after an hours-long standoff in Cordes Lakes.

“We lost an incredible member of the YCSO family today. We lost a friend, mentor, father, husband, community servant to a senseless act of murderous violence against law enforcement,” said Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes. Sgt. Lopez was affectionately referred among his peers as “R-Lo” and served 14 years at YCSO. He was also a regular volunteer at the event “Shop with a Cop”.

Sgt. Lopez was affectionately referred amongst his peers as “R-Lo” and served 14 years at YCSO.... — Sgt. Lopez was affectionately referred amongst his peers as “R-Lo” and served 14 years at YCSO. He was also a regular volunteer at the event “Shop with a Cop”.(Arizona's Family)

A spokeswoman for the Sheriff’s office said around 1:30 p.m., the suspect was barricaded and SWAT teams were called to the area. Cordes Lakes residents were asked to remain away from the scene. It is unknown what led up to the shooting. The suspect’s name has not been released.

This is the 19th officer-involved shooting outside of Maricopa County and the 50th overall in the state in 2022.

Donations are being accepted to help the sergeant’s family

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office says you can send checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, or cash to their office if you would like to make a donation. All checks must be made out to the department’s employee fund with Benevolence Fund: Richard Lopez written on the memo line.

Money can be mailed to or brought to the Sheriff’s Office with “Attention Kelly Fraher,” and the address: 255 East Gurley Street, Prescott, AZ 86301.

Dozens of law enforcement were at HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center in Phoenix to honor the deputy.

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