On May 1, 2023, a tragic incident unfolded in Bowling Green, Ohio, involving Antonio Lopez, a 66-year-old resident of the city. The events began at approximately 9:37 a.m. when the Bowling Green Police Division responded to reports of a shooting at El Zarape restaurant, located at 1616 E. Wooster Street.
According to police reports, Lopez, who was an employee at El Zarape, became involved in a physical altercation with a 26-year-old co-worker, Jesus Melendez, also from Bowling Green.
During this confrontation, Lopez produced a handgun and attempted to shoot Melendez inside the restaurant. The altercation resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to Melendez, who was subsequently taken to Wood County Hospital for treatment.
After the initial confrontation, Lopez fled the scene, heading south and then west towards an apartment complex. Witnesses reported that two shots were fired in the parking lot, though neither struck Melendez. Following the incident, law enforcement, assisted by the Wood County Special Response Team, executed a search warrant at Lopez's residence, located at 1556 Clough Street, Apartment 23, in Bowling Green.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., authorities entered Lopez's apartment and discovered him deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The case remained under investigation, but police stated that no additional suspects were being sought in connection with the incident.
The events of that day led to the temporary closure of El Zarape restaurant, which announced on social media that it would reopen the following day. The incident shocked the local community and highlighted the unpredictable nature of workplace violence.
