FRESNO, California — A Fresno Police officer is facing potential charges of domestic violence and assault with a deadly weapon following his arrest this week.
Efren Lopez, 30, was taken into custody after Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call at a residence on Tuesday.
Lopez was off-duty at the time of the incident. He was booked into the local jail with bail established at $100,000, and he posted bond to secure his release that same day. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is managing the criminal investigation into the matter.
Officials with the Fresno Police Department confirmed that Lopez has been placed on administrative leave while the agency conducts an internal affairs investigation.
Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto issued a statement on Thursday afternoon addressing the arrest, noting that domestic violence remains a critical issue within the community. Casto stated that the situation serves as a disappointing reminder that law enforcement personnel are not exempt from the difficulties experienced across society. She added that any officer accused of a crime is subject to identical legal consequences as members of the general public, alongside the forfeiture of their capacity to serve in law enforcement. The chief noted that no further details will be disclosed by her department at this time because the agency is actively overseeing the personnel investigation.
The department highlighted that support resources are accessible 24/7 for individuals experiencing domestic abuse. Victims residing within Fresno County can contact the Marjaree Mason Center at 559-233-4357, while individuals in other regions can reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
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