GUADALUPE, Ariz. – A man accused of shooting and killing a rideshare driver in Guadalupe has been arrested.
The backstory:
Just after 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 22, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office says a woman called 911 saying that her boyfriend had shot their Lyft driver in Guadalupe near Calle Bella Vista and Barbarita.
When deputies got to the scene, they found 51-year-old John Lucas unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a car. Lucas was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Evidence collected at the scene confirmed multiple gunshots had been fired,” MCSO said.
What We Know Now:
Investigators say they were able to identify the suspect as 29-year-old Angel Lopez. The next morning, deputies spotted Lopez in Guadalupe. MCSO says he fled into a nearby home.
“With the assistance of the MCSO Tactical Operations Unit (SWAT) and Homicide Detectives, Lopez exited the residence under lawful commands and was safely taken into custody,” MCSO said.
Lopez was booked into jail and is accused of first-degree murder and armed robbery.
What we don’t know:
The motive for the shooting is unknown.
Meanwhile, a rideshare driver we spoke with on Sept. 24 said they are concerned for their safety.
“You don’t know who’s coming into the car, especially when it’s dark outside,” said the driver, identified only as ‘Sorin.’ “It’s dark, and people are smoking weed and drinking, and it’s dark outside. You don’t know who’s coming inside.”
What’s next:
Lopez is being held on a $1 million cash bond, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 2.
Map of where the shooting happened
The Source: The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
Crime and Public SafetyMaricopa CountyNews