Nationwide — Oliver Lopez, an African American tow truck driver from Jacksonville, Florida, was shot and killed while attempting to repossess a vehicle at an apartment complex on Tuesday night. Police said a dispute escalated during the encounter, and a man opened fire before fleeing the scene.
According to News4Jax, Lopez arrived at the Sanctuary Walk apartment complex on East 21st Street, just east of Phoenix Avenue, around 10 p.m. Tuesday to repossess a vehicle. He owned and operated Oliver Towing for more than two years.
During the repossession, police said an argument broke out involving Lopez and the vehicle’s owner. Another man then came out of an apartment and fired multiple shots, striking Lopez.
Emergency responders rushed Lopez to a nearby hospital, but he later died from his injuries. The suspect left the area immediately after the shooting and remains at large. Investigators have not released a description of the suspect and have not confirmed any connection between the shooter and the repossession dispute.
Family members said they are devastated by the loss. A cousin remembers Lopez as “a very hard-working guy and a great friend, a great brother and a loving father.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the authorities.