After internal affairs officers got a tip Officer Ofelio Lopez was using methamphetamine, they devised a ruse to prove – or disprove – the allegation, Police Chief Greg Williamson said Monday.
Detectives got a court order permitting them to take methamphetamine from the police department’s evidence locker, the chief said.
They put the drugs in a purse, and had someone call the department claiming to have found the handbag. Lopez was dispatched to investigate, the chief said.
He put the purse in his patrol car, but didn’t turn it in at the station, as is required, the chief said.
The next day, detectives confronted Lopez. The purse was still in the patrol car trunk, but some of the drugs were missing, Williamson said. Methamphetamine was found in Lopez’s uniform pocket, and he was under the influence of the drug, the chief said.
He was arrested on charges of transportation of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm and being under the influence of a controlled substance while armed.
His house was searched. Detectives said they found brass knuckles, and Lopez was arrested on an additional charge of possession of a dangerous weapon.
He was placed on paid administrative leave pending further investigation.
Lopez and his partner shot and killed a man in 2005, and Lopez was in an on-duty traffic accident in 2007, according to KGET records.
Williamson said drug tests are not given to officers after such incidents or on a regular basis. Such tests are given only if there is reason to believe an officer is using drugs.
Police ask anyone with any information to call them at 327-7111.
