MOORPARK : Man Arrested in Wake of Melee
A Moorpark man wanted in connection with a weekend melee that started when Ventura County sheriff’s deputies tried to arrest him for drinking in public was arrested outside his house, authorities said Tuesday.
Nick Lopez, 31, was arrested Monday evening on suspicion of felony battery on a peace officer after he was spotted leaving his residence during a police stakeout, said Sheriff’s Detective David Lea.
Lopez was drinking in public in downtown Moorpark early Sunday when deputies attempted to arrest him, said Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Montijo. Before the deputies could take him into custody, friends and relatives of Lopez intervened, and several allegedly assaulted the deputies.
Six people were arrested on suspicion of assault on a peace officer, interfering with an officer, or failing to disperse from the scene of an unlawful gathering. Lopez fled during the fracas.
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