Officer Valentine D. (Val) Lopez Jr.
San Antonio Police Department
Texas
End of Watch: Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Biographical Info
Age: 54
Tour of Duty: 31 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Thursday, February 17, 1977
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life

On February 17, 1977, Officer Val Lopez, Jr., responded to a call in regards to a man with a gun at a bar. He was initially the cover officer but was closer, so he reached the scene first. According to witnesses, as soon as Officer Lopez entered the bar, the suspect began to shoot. Officer Lopez was shot twice. One bullet struck his abdomen and the other hit his badge first before striking his chest.

The suspect was identified as 41-year-old Jack Barber. He was charged and convicted with attempt to Commit Capital Murder. He was sentenced to life in prison and has since died.

While Officer Lopez eventually returned to duty and served another 29 years, he never fully recovered from the wound to his abdomen. Officer Lopez developed complications during surgery and died on June 21, 2006.

Officer Lopez leaves behind a wife and two daughters. He was buried in the Mission Park South Cemetery in San Antonio.