LAS VEGAS - A deadly shooting spree in Las Vegas, which began with the alleged murder of the suspect's mother, ended in tragedy when an innocent bystander, 39-year-old Jerry Lopez, was killed during a carjacking incident. The incident unfolded early Wednesday morning in the suburbs of Las Vegas and resulted in the suspect stealing a police vehicle and engaging in a series of crimes before the fatal encounter.

According to authorities, the assailant, whose identity is yet to be disclosed, shot his mother near their childhood home in southeastern Las Vegas. When police officers arrived at the scene, they were met with gunshots and took cover. Simultaneously, the suspect seized an unoccupied patrol car and fled towards the southwestern part of the city.

Approximately 8 miles away from his parents' residence, the suspect abandoned the stolen patrol car and carjacked two additional bystanders. It was during this chaotic series of events that Jerry Lopez's path crossed with the suspect. Lopez, a devoted family man and father of seven, had unknowingly pulled over his family van to make space for emergency vehicles pursuing the suspect. Tragically, the suspect approached the van, opened fire on Lopez, and forcibly dragged him out of the vehicle before making his escape.

Police officers, during their pursuit, fired multiple rounds at the stolen van, ultimately bringing it to a stop. Upon approaching the vehicle, SWAT officers discovered that the suspect was deceased. It remains unclear whether the suspect was killed by police gunfire, as officers had fired at him multiple times throughout the chase. The police department plans to provide additional information at an upcoming news conference.

Karen Lopez, Jerry Lopez's grieving wife, shared heart-wrenching details about her husband and the aftermath of the senseless tragedy. Married for 13 years, Karen and Jerry Lopez had fostered 12 children since 2017, adopting six of them. Their 11-year-old biological son became a big brother to four brothers and two sisters. Karen Lopez remembers her husband as a devoted and loving father, always prioritizing his family.

As the family struggles to come to terms with their loss, their children attempt to find solace in texting their father's phone to express their love and seek assurance of his presence. Meanwhile, the youngest children yearn for a picture of their father in heaven. Karen Lopez hopes that her husband is remembered for his dedication to his family, rather than the tragic circumstances of his death.

The investigation into the motive behind the shooting spree is ongoing, with authorities yet to release further information. The community, along with Jerry Lopez's loved ones, mourn his untimely death and seeks justice for the innocent lives affected by this devastating incident.

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