Murderer Gonzalo Lopez, Mexican Mafia escaped Texas prisoner, $50K reward offered for capture
The U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force-Waco Division out of Waco, Texas, reported that the agency is assisting the Texas Department of Criminal Justice with the fugitive investigation of a Texas prison inmate who escaped custody on May 12 while being transported by bus for high-risk inmates in a rural area near Centerville, Texas.
Gonzalo Artemio Lopez, 46, is described as a white or Hispanic male, approximately 6 feet tall and 185 pounds and heavily tattooed. Lopez was serving a life sentence for a murder committed in Hidalgo County, Texas. He was also convicted of attempted capital murder in Webb County, Texas, according to ABC News.
Lopez reportedly got out of his restraints and a metal cage before stabbing an officer and stealing the transport bus. Lopez was last seen running into the woods off Highway 7, after he crashed the bus. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office issued warrants Lopez’s arrest for escape and aggravated assault against a public servant.
Lopez is affiliated with the Mexican Mafia and has ties to the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio. He should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. Do not attempt to apprehend this fugitive.
“The Marshals Service has elevated Gonzalo Lopez to major case status and is contributing up to $10,000 toward his capture,” said U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Texas Susan Pamerleau. “We sincerely hope this money will serve as an incentive for someone who knows something to do the right thing and contact us. The sooner we get him back into custody, the better.”
A combined reward of up to $50,000 is being offered for information leading to Lopez’s capture. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact TDCJ Office of Inspector General Crime Stoppers at 1-800-832-8477 or 936-437-5171 or your local law enforcement agency at 911. Tips may also be sent to the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or via the USMS Tips app.
For more on the fugitive manhunt surrounding Gonzalo Artemio Lopez, see the video accompanying this article.
(Source: U.S. Marshalls)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
