Newly released body camera footage sheds light on a tragic deputy-involved shooting in Orange County, Florida. The incident unfolded late at night after law enforcement responded to a reported home invasion.
According to investigative records, the fatal encounter occurred around 11:30 p.m. when 26-year-old Jose Luis Lopez, a resident of W Castle Street, called 911 to report an active burglary. Upon arriving at the scene, deputies fatally shot Lopez, believing he was armed with a knife.
Authorities later identified the intruder as Cristian Contreras. Investigators revealed that Contreras had originally planned to stay the night at Lopez’s residence but was asked to leave following an argument over splitting the cost of beer. Instead of going home, Contreras allegedly refused an Uber ride and used a ladder to unlawfully re-enter the house.
When deputies arrived, they heard a man shouting for help in Spanish and saw two individuals through a kitchen window. Officers ordered both men to exit the home. Based on their observations, deputies believed one of the individuals—later identified as Contreras—was being held hostage in a headlock and was in immediate danger.
Body camera footage captured deputies repeatedly instructing Lopez to “drop the knife.” Moments later, both officers opened fire, striking Lopez. However, according to an arrest warrant, Contreras later told investigators that Lopez was never armed. He also stated that he attempted to communicate with deputies, but due to his inability to speak or understand English, his efforts were unsuccessful.
Contreras now faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, as authorities assert that his unlawful entry directly contributed to Lopez’s death. The shooting remains under investigation as officials review the circumstances surrounding the tragic miscommunication that led to the deadly encounter.
Istook photos
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