Anaheim police officers fatally shot a woman who was carrying a BB gun that looked like a rifle

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Anaheim police officers responding to the reports of an armed subject fatally shoot a 20-year-old Anaheim woman. A BB or pellet gun, resembling a legitimate firearm, was recovered at the scene.

On Sunday, October 29, 2023, at approximately 9 a.m., Anaheim Police Officers responded to the 1200 block of S. Anaheim Blvd. regarding a subject who was armed with a rifle. As officers arrived to the area, a confrontation occurred between a woman, later identified as Abigail Lopez, and several Anaheim officers near Anaheim Blvd. and Ball Rd.

An officer-involved shooting occurred, and Lopez was struck at least once by police gunfire. Lopez was treated at the scene by Anaheim police officers and personnel from Anaheim Fire and Rescue. Lopez was transported to a local hospital, where she later died.

A BB or pellet gun that resembled a legitimate short-barrel assault weapon was located at the scene. No officers were injured as a result of the shooting.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office responded to initiate the investigation into the circumstances of the officer-involved shooting. Anaheim PD Homicide Detectives, the Anaheim PD Major Incident Review Team (MIRT), Anaheim PD Internal Affairs, and personnel from the Anaheim Police Review Board (PRB) and Office of Independent Review (OIR) also responded to the incident.