Shirtless Florida Man Suspected Of Attempted Murder Steals Patrol Car, Carjacks SUV Before Arrest

A shirtless man suspected of attempted murder embarked on a wild crime spree that involved stealing a patrol car, carjacking an SUV, and engaging in a high-speed chase before finally being captured by authorities.

The chaotic sequence of events unfolded when Armando Lopez, 52, allegedly attempted to kill his 30-year-old ex-girlfriend during a heated argument in Key Largo on December 22. Reports indicate that Lopez violently assaulted the woman, threatening her life and causing severe injuries. He even went as far as trying to asphyxiate her with a cleaning rag soaked in a chemical cleaner.

Amidst the escalating situation, Lopez's daughter made a distress call to 911, reporting the violent altercation between her father and mother. The gravity of the situation intensified when Lopez turned his aggression towards Monroe County Sheriff's Office Sgt. James Hager, attempting to disarm him during a confrontation at the scene.

During the scuffle, Lopez made a failed attempt to seize the deputy's firearm from its holster, while Hager's efforts to subdue Lopez with a taser also proved unsuccessful. Seizing an opportunity, Lopez then commandeered Hager's patrol car and fled the scene, triggering a dramatic pursuit by law enforcement.

Body-cam footage captured the heart-pounding moments as Lopez raced down the highway at speeds exceeding 100 mph in the stolen patrol car. In a daring move, he flagged down a passing SUV driven by a 46-year-old woman, pretending to be a law enforcement officer to coerce her out of her vehicle.

Confused and startled, the woman complied with Lopez's demands, allowing him to abandon the stolen cruiser and escape in her SUV. However, the reckless joyride came to an abrupt end when Lopez lost control of the SUV, causing it to overturn on the highway.

Trapped beneath the wreckage, Lopez was swiftly apprehended by law enforcement officers who arrived at the scene. He was subsequently taken into custody and is currently detained in an MCSO jail without bond, facing a litany of charges stemming from his violent spree and evasion of authorities.

Lopez's charges include impersonating an officer, eluding law enforcement, and the original attempted murder allegations. The shocking series of events has left the community reeling, highlighting the unpredictable and dangerous nature of such criminal incidents.

The swift and decisive actions of law enforcement officers ultimately brought an end to Lopez's reckless rampage, underscoring the importance of their unwavering commitment to public safety and justice.

As the investigation into the incident continues, authorities are piecing together the events of that fateful day, shedding light on the harrowing ordeal faced by the victims and the swift response that led to Lopez's apprehension.