Last evening, specifically Friday night, an incident occurred at the All Star Grill, located at 2019 Hwy 60 E in Lake Wales, that resulted in one arrest.
The following is a statement issued today by Lake Wales Police Department Deputy Chief Troy Schulze regarding what occurred last night:
“Officers responded to the above location in reference to a disturbance with a firearm. Prior to arrival, dispatch advised the suspect was armed with a handgun and leaving the parking lot in a grey Dodge Challenger.
“Officer Claros and Sergeant Rhoden located and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle as it attempted to exit the parking lot. As Officer Claros and Sergeant Rhoden approached the vehicle someone threw a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun out of the rear passenger window. The vehicle’s four occupants were removed and detained.
“Witnesses on scene advised one of the vehicle occupants had been in a heated argument with another person. During the argument, Prieto Lopez, a 55-year-old Kissimmee resident, pulled out a handgun and slammed it on the table where the others were sitting. Lopez then walked away, exiting the business, with the firearm in his hand.
“During the investigation Lopez admitted to displaying the firearm and slamming it on the table, to stop the argument. Lopez also admitted to throwing the firearm out of the car window when officers stopped the vehicle. The firearm was confirmed to be stolen out of Orange County on 12/01/2016.
The stolen firearm investigation is ongoing.
Lopez was arrested for improper exhibition of a firearm and tampering with physical evidence. Lopez was transported to PCJ (Polk County Jail), without incident.
No other injuries were reported.
