Christian Peterson
reporter@riverbendnews.org
On Wednesday, Sept. 6, the Live Oak Police Department (LOPD) was sent to Walker Avenue in response to a call from Johnny Lopez regarding his two siblings. Upon arriving on-scene, Officer Michael Del Sasso made contact with a 15-year-old female resident. According to the arrest report, the minor told Officer Del Sasso that, after returning to her house with her friend, a verbal altercation began between her and her brother, 20-year-old Jerri Lopez-Alvarado. The argument started in reference to her friend, but quickly escalated. The minor said, during the argument, Lopez-Alvarado shoved her in the face and she had to push him back to put distance between them. Officer Del Sasso reported not being able to see any injuries on the victim's face and that she refused medical assistance.
After the first conversation, Officer Del Sasso made contact with Johnny, who explained that, while he was sitting in his room, he heard the argument taking place and left to see Jerri and the victim in a physical altercation. He also said that, while trying to stop the fight, the minor shoved him, prompting him to contact authorities for help.
Finally, Officer Del Sasso made contact with Jerri, who explained he was sitting in the house when the victim arrived. He claimed they started arguing and that the victim had shoved both himself and Johnny, but that he had not touched her.
Officer Del Sasso was also provided video footage of the incident. He observed Jerri shove the minor in the face, as well as the minor shoving Johnny and hitting him in the chest.
The minor was charged with battery-domestic violence for shoving and hitting Johnny. Jerri was charged with battery-domestic violence for shoving the minor in the face, and was taken to the Suwannee County Jail without incident.