Enrique Lopez Gress dies in fatal Chandler shooting

Enrique Lopez Gress dies in fatal Chandler shooting

Fatal Chandler shooting death of Enrique Lopez Gress

Mesa Police Department officials confirmed that the individual killed during a police operation in Chandler was identified as Enrique Lopez Gress. The incident occurred near the crossroads of Pecos and McQueen roads, and authorities stated that the suspect was heavily armed with firearms, including an AK-47 rifle equipped with a drum magazine and a handgun.

Investigators reported that officers discovered a variety of weapons and items in the suspect’s vehicle after the incident. This included not only the rifle and handgun but also body armor, ammunition, controlled substances, and a significant amount of cash. The scene also yielded additional evidence such as shell casings, which were later linked to Gress’s rifle, and other paraphernalia typical of a well-armed individual.

The chain of events began when police were dispatched to a residence on Frye Road and Windstream Place shortly before 6:50 a.m. following a report of an attempted break-in. The caller subsequently identified the intruder as Enrique Lopez Gress. Upon arrival, the suspect fled on foot or in a vehicle, colliding with a patrol vehicle during his escape.

The pursuit escalated as officers followed Gress until he collided with a white Jeep at the specified intersection. Once the suspect’s car was immobilized, law enforcement cordoned off the area and commanded Gress to exit the vehicle. After a brief standoff, he complied and emerged from the car. However, as he approached the drug store parking lot, Gress raised his rifle, prompting officers to use non-lethal methods such as pepper balls. When these failed to subdue him, the officers opened fire, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement personnel were injured during the operation.

The Mesa Police Department is continuing its investigation into the critical incident, noting that Gress discharged one shot from his rifle during the encounter. The case is being handled through the East Valley Critical Incident Response Team, and the probe is ongoing.