The California Department of Justice has determined that no law enforcement officers will face charges for the fatal shooting of an innocent bystander during a gun battle with a suspect in Norwalk.
Pedro “Pee Wee” Lopez was killed on Feb. 17, 2022, as deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department were pursuing Andre Mora, who was wanted for a carjacking and assault three days earlier, authorities said.
Mora had already exchanged fire with detectives when he ran into Lopez’s yard on Foster Road at around 7 p.m. that evening, the DOJ explained in its report, which released on Thursday.
“Mora ran into the front yard of a private residence and then into a narrow side yard crowded with various objects,” investigators said. “Mr. Mora then pointed a handgun at the detective, who fired fourteen rounds.”
Mora was shot multiple times but survived. He stumbled into the home, where he was barricaded for several hours until deputies rushed in and took him into custody.
They found Lopez, 67, dead in the side yard from a single gunshot to the head that, according to investigators, came from the detective’s service weapon.
Because it was dark and the side yard was so crowded with objects such as bikes, tools, clothing and a toilet, the DOJ said the detective likely “had no ability” to know Lopez was there.
“Based on the investigation and review of evidence, along with the applicable statutes, legal principles, and subsequent analysis, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of [the detectives],” the department concluded. “As such, no further action will be taken in this case.”
Neighbors told KTLA that Lopez was a beloved fixture in the community. He was known as the “topless neighborhood watchman” because he would often guard the area without wearing a shirt.
In its report, the DOJ recommended that LASD issue body-worn to all deputies, including plainclothes deputies.
“It is also recommended that LASD develop policies on the circumstances in which deputies, who are in plain clothes or otherwise not in uniform, can and must activate BWCs,” the report said.
