2nd Person In Custody In Shooting That Nearly Killed Officer

By Stan Bush

DENVER (CBS4)- A second person believed to be involved in Tuesday's officer-involved shooting has turned herself in.

Melinda Espinoza, 40, surrendered to Denver police on Wednesday. Police say she was accompanying a male driver who shot and severely wounded Denver Police Officer Tony Lopez Jr. near 37th Avenue and Federal Boulevard. Officers say Espinoza was spotted running from the vehicle that Lopez pulled over late Tuesday morning on Federal Boulevard.

The male suspect was arrested after a chase in a stolen car at 20th St. and Chestnut Place. The Denver Police Major Crimes Unit told CBS4's Stan Bush the suspect is a known felon who was wanted on a warrant for a home invasion and robbery.

Police found a long gun in the stolen vehicle after he was pulled over. Investigators say the suspect shot Lopez with a handgun. It is illegal for the suspect to possess a firearm and police have not determined how he got access to the weapons.

The suspect remained at Denver Health Medical Center on Wednesday in fair condition with a gunshot wound to his ankle. His identity has not been released.

Lopez remains in critical condition at Denver Health's intensive care unit. Trauma surgeons are "cautiously optimistic" about his prognosis. Doctors say Lopez is breathing with the assistance of a ventilator.

Lopez's family released the following statement Wednesday afternoon:

We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support from Mayor Hancock, Chief White, Deputy Chief Quinones, Tony Junior's fellow officers, the Denver Police Foundation and the community. Tony Jr. remains in critical condition with a long road ahead to a full recovery. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Stan Bush is a general assignment reporter at CBS4. His stories can be seen on CBS4 News at 10. Read his bio and follow him on Twitter @StanBushTV.