A man accused of shooting at a Seattle police officer during a domestic violence response was captured last month after attempting to flee by diving into Lake Washington, according to newly released police footage and court documents.
The incident occurred on the morning of June 20 at Pritchard Island Beach Park in South Seattle. Authorities say 32-year-old Robert Yares Lopez was seen allegedly assaulting and strangling a woman in the park’s parking lot around 6:30 a.m.
When a Seattle police officer arrived at the scene, Lopez reportedly fled into nearby woods and fired three shots at the pursuing officer. The officer, who was unharmed, stated he heard as many as six gunshots during the encounter.
Air support from the King County Sheriff’s Office, via helicopter Guardian One, tracked Lopez as he moved toward residential areas near Island Drive South. In an attempt to evade arrest, Lopez entered Lake Washington. Police negotiators eventually convinced him to surrender after a 30-minute standoff in the water, and he was taken into custody at a nearby dock.
Lopez was initially charged with assault and punlawful possession of a firearm and held on $500,000 bail. The victim told investigators she had been held against her will and subjected to repeated physical abuse over several days, including strangulation, beatings, pistol whippings, and threats with a firearm.
Prosecutors later requested that Lopez’s bail be increased to $1 million after he was caught on recorded jailhouse phone calls instructing a woman—whom he described as his “side piece”—to bribe the victim into dropping the charges.
In the recorded conversation, Lopez is heard saying, “Do whatever you need to say… bat for me, man. A couple of these things can go the [expletive] away.”
As a result, prosecutors added a felony charge of witness tampering to his case, and a judge approved the higher bail amount.
Court records indicate that Lopez has an extensive criminal history, including prior convictions for firearm violations, assault, harassment, and weapons offenses. At the time of his arrest, he was also wanted in connection with another domestic violence case earlier this year and had 18 prior warrants issued for his arrest.
Lopez is scheduled to enter a plea during an arraignment hearing set for July 8.
