Shooting of Mario Lopez by U.S. Marshals ruled justified

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office has ruled the shooting of Mario Lopez by U.S. Marshals was justified. Lopez was shot on May 16th at the intersection of Forest Home and Lincoln Avenues while trying to evade law enforcement.

The U.S. Marshals say Lopez fled in a vehicle, and eventually got out of his car, leading law enforcement on a foot chase. They say he dropped a handgun when he tripped in the intersection of Forest Home and Lincoln.

Lopez was shot multiple times while reaching for his handgun -- a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson pistol.

Kevin Carr, a U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Wisconsin says his two experienced officers did what they were trained to do.

"Nobody hopes to use deadly force and I'm sure that there are moments when they reflect on what happened and can hardly believe what did happen," Carr said.

According to the U.S. Marshals, Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm noted in his report that life-saving measures taken by their deputies may have saved Lopez's life.

"They applied first aid training to this suspect that we believe was critical," Carr said.

Lopez family says he is recovering but has difficulty using one arm and leg.

Family members did not want to talk with FOX 6 News on camera Wednesday, but expressed disappointment with the DA's decision.

Lopez was indicted Wednesday for possession of a firearm by a felon.

This incident will be reviewed by the U.S. Marshals, but they do not expect results of their administrative review will be any different than the DA's ruling.

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