Valentine D. "Val" Lopez, Jr., a 54-year-old male of Hispanic ethnicity, was a dedicated officer with the San Antonio Police Department. On February 17, 1977, Officer Lopez responded to a call about an armed man at a bar. As he entered the bar, the suspect began shooting. Officer Lopez was shot twice, once in his abdomen and once in his chest after the bullet first struck his badge.
Despite his injuries, Officer Lopez managed to apprehend the suspect, who was later arrested, charged, and convicted of attempted capital murder. The suspect was sentenced to life in prison.
Officer Lopez survived the shooting but never fully recovered from his injuries. He developed complications during surgery and eventually succumbed to his injuries on June 21, 2006. Officer Lopez had served with the San Antonio Police Department for 31 years and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
The suspect, who was arrested and charged with the attempted murder of Officer Lopez, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. The case was widely covered in the media at the time, and the suspect remained in prison until his death. Officer Lopez's dedication and sacrifice are remembered by his colleagues and the community he served.
