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Shootout with Seminole Officer Results in Felony Charges
A Texas man has pleaded guilty to a federal firearm crime after shooting a police officer in Seminole, Texas. Jose Ramon Castillo-Lopez, 28, admitted to firing at a Seminole Police Department officer on October 1, 2022, resulting in a guilty plea to illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Castillo-Lopez was pulled over by the officer for traffic violations. However, instead of cooperating with the officer, he began firing at the officer with a handgun. The officer was struck but managed to move to a defensive position and return fire. Castillo-Lopez exited his vehicle and fled the scene, dropping a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol as he did so.
The officer was able to radio in a description of Castillo-Lopez, who was apprehended a few blocks away shortly thereafter. In an interview with law enforcement, Castillo-Lopez admitted to being a previously deported Mexican national who was currently in the United States illegally. He also admitted to firing the pistol, which he said he purchased from an unknown individual at a traffic light in Midland, Texas for $200.
Castillo-Lopez now faces up to 15 years in federal prison for his crime. The victim officer’s body armor prevented serious injury, and he returned to duty shortly after the incident.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the Seminole Police Department with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew McLeod is prosecuting the case.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton announced Castillo-Lopez’s guilty plea, stating that the case highlights the importance of enforcing federal firearms laws.
Castillo-Lopez’s sentencing is pending, and he remains in federal custody until then.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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