In the early hours of January 1, a dramatic incident unfolded at the Oak Park Mobile Home Park in Gainesville, Florida, leading to the arrest of two men. Luis Alberto Lopez-Garcia, 32, and Oved Vazquez Ortiz, 28, were taken into custody following reports of gunfire in the area.

Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the scene at approximately 4:25 a.m. after multiple calls alerted them to the situation. Witnesses described a Hispanic male brandishing a firearm amid the sound of gunshots. Disturbingly, it was reported that the individual was intoxicated, and children were present during the chaotic events.

Upon arrival, deputies encountered Lopez-Garcia standing near spent shell casings, surrounded by minors. Meanwhile, Ortiz stood in front of a residence, with one of the children allegedly gesturing towards him. The deputies also noted the presence of numerous alcohol bottles scattered around the scene, adding to the concerning atmosphere.

Amidst the confusion, the whereabouts of the firearm remained uncertain, prompting deputies to attempt to detain both men. Initially, Ortiz complied with the officers’ instructions but soon resisted, leading to a physical struggle. Ultimately, law enforcement managed to subdue Ortiz, securing him in handcuffs and bringing a tense situation under control.

Deputies did not know where the gun was, and they attempted to detain both men. Ortiz reportedly complied at first but then pulled away, and deputies took him to the ground, where he continued to struggle but was eventually secured in handcuffs.

Deputies reportedly told Lopez-Garcia to keep his hands out of his pockets, but he allegedly kept putting his hands in his pockets. Lopez-Garcia was moved to the front of a patrol vehicle so he could be patted down to check for weapons, and he was asked to keep his hands on the hood of the vehicle; a deputy reported that deputies demonstrated the placement of his hands and asked him to repeat the instructions to ensure that he understood them. A sergeant reportedly explained that if he failed to comply with the instructions, he would be arrested.

When deputies began patting down Lopez-Garcia for weapons, he allegedly removed his hands from the hood of the vehicle and turned; he was placed under arrest at that point.

Deputies found three spent 9mm shell casings in front of the home, and a fourth shell casing was reportedly found during a search of Lopez-Garcia.

A witness reportedly said Ortiz was the man who had been seen with a gun immediately after the gunshots were heard.

Deputies noted that Ortiz was “obviously intoxicated.” Ortiz reportedly stated spontaneously, “The gun’s not even mine.” Post Miranda, Ortiz reportedly said they had been drinking all night, and a friend gave him the gun to hold while the friend went to a club; he was unable to provide the friend’s full name. Ortiz reportedly admitted to shooting the gun at least three times in the direction of a bush. He said at first that his friends told him to shoot the gun, but he later said he shot it to prevent Lopez-Garcia from fighting someone else.

Ortiz reportedly described the gun and gave deputies permission to search the home, but deputies were unable to find the gun; Ortiz reportedly said a third person may have taken it, but he did not identify that person.

Lopez-Garcia has been charged with resisting an officer without violence. His local criminal history goes back to 2016, and he has two misdemeanor convictions (non-violent). Bail will be set tomorrow.

Ortiz has been charged with resisting an officer without violence, discharging a weapon in a residential neighborhood, and discharging a firearm under the influence of alcohol. He has no local criminal history. Bail will be set tomorrow.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.