Police in El Paso, TX, are still searching for a truck driver who brutally assaulted a sheriff’s deputy in an incident on April 29, 2009 and are asking for the public’s help in apprehending the suspect, Raul Lopez, 53, of Fabens, TX. Lopez has been on the run since the assault on Sheriff’s Deputy Jesus Gomez, according to a KFOX14 News report.
Gomez had pulled over Lopez’s gold semi truck because it matched the description of a truck that had recently been involved in fuel theft from a nearby Flying J truck stop. Lopez was asked to get out of his truck but refused and then sped off with Gomez still clinging to the side of the semi.
Lopez drove a short distance before running the rig off the road and crashing into a pole. Lopez then punched and kicked Gomez until he lost his grip on the truck and fell to the ground. A witness used a cell phone to video-record the assault.
Gomez was nearly killed in the assault and suffered multiple injuries from which he has since recovered. Lopez ran from the scene on foot and police have been seeking information on his whereabouts ever since. The case was featured on America’s Most Wanted TV show in 2010.
Lopez is described as 5’7”, 185 lbs., with graying brown hair and brown eyes. He is from the El Paso area and police believe he may still be in contact with relatives in the area. He may also be employed as a commercial truck driver.
Anyone with information on Lopez should contact Crime Stoppers at 915-566-8477.
