South Bend, IN – The South Bend Police Department has released partial body camera footage following public concern over a Thursday night arrest involving a 19-year-old suspect after a vehicle pursuit and crash.
According to the department, the incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, near Lincoln Way West and College Street, when officers spotted a vehicle that had allegedly fled a prior traffic stop. When an officer attempted another stop, the driver reportedly fled, leading to a brief pursuit that ended when the vehicle struck a parked car near LaSalle Avenue and Sycamore Street.
Police said the driver, identified as Luis Hernandez-Lopez, refused commands and resisted as officers attempted to detain him. He was later handcuffed, treated at a hospital per department policy, and booked into the St. Joseph County Jail after receiving medical clearance.
On Friday, prosecutors charged Hernandez-Lopez with Resisting Law Enforcement (Level 6 Felony) and Resisting Law Enforcement (Class A Misdemeanor). Authorities also confirmed he had an active warrant at the time of arrest.
South Bend Police noted that the Use of Force Committee will review all footage, evidence, and officer actions to ensure compliance with department policy. The agency emphasized transparency amid social media debate over the arrest video, which includes profanity and viewer discretion warnings.
“All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court,” police said in the release.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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