Multiple charges result in initial road rage incident

“On September 25, 2021 at approximately 0545 hours, Officers from the Porterville Police Department received reports of a road rage incident that began in the 900 block of South Jaye Street and concluded after the suspect followed the victim to a residence and pointed a firearm at her while making threatening statements. Video surveillance footage of the incident was obtained and, after further investigation, the suspect was positively identified as 35 year-old Robert Lopez with an address in the City of Porterville.

On October 6, 2021 at approximately 1641 hours, a Detective with the Porterville Police Department Special Investigations Unit observed Robert Lopez in the passenger seat of the same vehicle that he was driving during the initial road rage incident. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and Robert Lopez was detained without incident. The vehicle was driven by Kris Lopez, who denied any knowledge of the incident.

A search warrant was obtained for Robert Lopez’s residence. While Detectives were conducting surveillance of the residence, a male subject was observed going in and out of the residence and placing items in his vehicle. The subject was detained and identified as Steven Carrillo.

During service of the search warrant, an un-serialized assault rifle and 9 millimeter handgun were located in Steven Carrillo’s vehicle. An additional 9 millimeter handgun, along with various boxes of live ammunition, were located inside the residence. Robert Lopez was determined to be a previously-convicted felon, who is prohibited from possessing ammunition and/or firearms.

Through further investigation, it was discovered that Steven Carrillo was contacted by Kris Lopez and Robert Lopez during the Detective’s traffic stop and was asked to go to the residence to remove the weapons.

Steven Carrillo was arrested for Conspiracy, along with being an accessory to Robert Lopez’s alleged crimes. Robert Lopez was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon; Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Felon in Possession of Ammunition; Possession of an Assault Rifle; and Committing a Felony while on Bail.

The case will be submitted to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office; charges of Conspiracy and being an accessory to Robert Lopez’s alleged crimes will be requested against Kris Lopez for her involvement in this incident.”