The man accused of setting a probation officer on fire in downtown Stockton was arraigned Monday on charges of attempted murder of a peace officers and other counts that, if convicted, would land him behind bars for a minimum of 50 years.
Adam Lopez, 39, is accused of lugging a gasoline can and lighter to the San Joaquin County Probation Office on Thursday in an apparent arson attempt. Probation officers tried to thwart his efforts, following him outside, where prosecutors say he set one of them on fire, resulting in serious injuries.
At the time of the attack, Lopez was on probation for firearms violations and had been arrested for property crimes in the past, Stockton police Officer Omer Edhah said.
Appearing before San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Allan Jose on Monday, Lopez was hit with a raft of charges in connection with the attack, enough that could amount to a life sentence if he is convicted of them all.
In addition to the attempted murder charge, which includes enhancements for great bodily injury and use of a deadly weapon, Lopez is charged with attempted arson of an inhabited structure and resisting an executive officer by force or violence, according to the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s office. The latter charge involves actions against a second probation officer, who also was injured in the melee.
“Let me be clear: attacks on our law enforcement officers and efforts to burn down government institutions will not be tolerated in San Joaquin County,” District Attorney Ron Freitas said in a statement announcing the charges against Lopez. “These acts were not random, they were targeted, deliberate, and violent. My office will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law.”
Neither the county nor Stockton police have identified the probation officers involved in the incident, their conditions or the extent of their injuries. The officer who was set afire was first treated at a local hospital, then transferred to UC Davis, authorities said at the time.
Lopez is being held without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 25.