Authorities have identified the man accused of firing a gun into a crowd of protesters Saturday night at Jefferson Square park, resulting in the death of 27-year-old Tyler Gerth and injuries to another demonstrator.
Steven Lopez, 23, faces charges of murder and first-degree wanton endangerment, according to an arrest citation. Lopez was arrested at 10:47 p.m. Saturday and was taken to University Hospital to be treated for a gunshot wound to the leg, according police.
Lopez was among a group of 17 protesters arrested June 17. He was charged with inciting a riot, disorderly conduct, harassment and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to an arrest citation.
Lopez has been arrested more than once over the course of Louisville’s protests, according to acting Louisville Metro Police Chief Robert Schroeder, who said demonstrators in the park have repeatedly asked Lopez to leave because of his “disruptive behavior.”
In addition to Lopez, several others at the park were also armed, and LMPD’s Homicide Unit is working to identify anyone who may have fired.
Source: WDRB