On July 24, 2023, in Del Norte County, California, CHP officer Ward parked his fully marked black and white Chevrolet Tahoe patrol vehicle in the south parking lot of a secured facility, with all perimeter gates closed. CHP Officer Ward left his patrol vehicle unlocked with the engine running while inside the Crescent City CHP office with CHP Officer Vincent. At 0008 hours, the officers heard a noise outside that resembled the sound of the gate closing. Officer Ward went outside to investigate and quickly returned, informing Officer Vincent that he had just seen his patrol vehicle driving out of the parking lot and turning right onto Summer Lane. The officers immediately notified dispatch of the stolen patrol vehicle and partnered up to locate the SUV. At approximately 0016 hours, they found the stolen patrol vehicle with its overhead lights activated, parked on the right shoulder of Northcrest Drive at Blackwell Lane, behind a white Ford Mustang. The officers conducted a V formation approach and initiated a modified felony stop of the stolen patrol vehicle. They apprehended the suspect, Mathew John Lopez, and arrested him without further incident. The driver of the Ford Mustang was released from the traffic stop; she reported that she had noticed the CHP vehicle following her from the office on Summer Lane and had pulled over as soon as the overhead lights were activated, but no one approached her car until the two officers arrived and detained Lopez. Matthew J. Lopez was arrested and booked into the Del Norte County Jail on the following charges: 236 - False Imprisonment By Violence 459 - Burglary 487(D) - Grand Theft - Auto or Firearm 496D(A) - Receiving Stolen Property - Motor Vehicle 538D - Impersonate Peace Officer 10851(A) - Take Vehicle W/O Owner's Consent 14601.2(A) - Drive W/License Suspended For Drunk Driving 29800(A)1 - Addict in Possession of Firearm 30305A - Possession Of Ammunition 25850(C)(1) - Carrying Loaded Firearm - Previous Felony Conviction 25850(C)(2) - Carry Stolen Loaded Firearm 487(D)(2) - Grand Theft: Firearm #police #chp #cops

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