On Thursday, May 15, 2025, at approximately 11:00 a.m., officers from the El Centro Police Department responded to a report of an assault near the 300 block of Eucalyptus Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located two victims suffering from severe injuries. Officers immediately began administering life-saving measures until personnel from the El Centro Fire Department arrived. Both victims were transported for additional medical treatment due to the critical nature of their injuries.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a violent physical altercation had occurred where the suspect, Richard Lopez Jr., a 36-year-old resident of El Centro, attacked two victims at the location. A description of Lopez was quickly relayed to responding officers, and he was located and arrested. Lopez was booked into the Imperial County Jail on charges of attempted homicide.

This was a targeted attack involving individuals known to one another and does not pose an ongoing threat to the public.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective A. Garrido at 760-352-2111.