Woodville man allegedly fires stolen, illegally altered shotgun

WOODVILLE — A man was arrested on Thursday after allegedly firing a stolen shotgun.

The shotgun was illegally altered, authorities report.

Deputies responding to a disturbance call at 10:30 p.m. in the area of the 16000 block of Road 168 were reportedly told by victim Pedro Tapia that suspect Andres Lopez, 22, had allegedly fired a weapon into the air following a verbal argument that took place between the two men at 10 p.m. that night.

Tapia reportedly told deputies that he knew the suspect.

Upon contacting the suspect at his place of residence, deputies allegedly found the illegally altered shotgun and took Lopez into custody.
A records check reportedly showed that the shotgun was listed as stolen property.

Deputies arrested and booked Lopez at the Porterville substation on suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm, possession of an unlawful weapon and possession of stolen property.

-- Contact The Recorder newsroom at 784-5000, Ext. 1043.