An armed 18-year-old was shot and killed by police during a traffic stop in Santa Ana on Wednesday night, cops said — as video circulating on social media appears to show the teen with his arms raised moments before the shooting.
Victor Lopez, 18, exited his vehicle in the parking lot of the Spectrum apartments off East 3rd Street with a handgun, Santa Ana police said.
A clip of the incident shows Lopez in the parking lot with his hands raised just before multiple gunshots rang out.
Officers said that he was armed with a gun but dropped it just before showing his hands, Santa Ana Police Officer Natalie Garcia told the California Post.
“The officer sees the firearm fall out of the car and gives commands not to retrieve it,” Garcia said.”[Lopez] attempted to retrieve it and did not follow the command,” prompting the officer to fire the weapon.
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The video showed Lopez walking out of frame before cops said he reached for the weapon.At least three rounds were fired, according to the clip.
Lopez’s girlfriend, 19, and their 1-year-old child were in the car at the time of the shooting.
The teen was pronounced dead at the scene.Police said the incident was sparked by Lopez refusing to comply when an officer attempted to stop the car near East 4th and French streets around 10:30 p.m.
A short chase ensured before Lopez pulled into the parking lot.It is not clear whether he had any history with law enforcement.