UKIAH, CA — “On 05/01/2026 at approximately 8:30 P.M., Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were conducting an unrelated investigation in the area of Brush Street and the railroad tracks when a witness reported observing two individuals engaged in a physical altercation north of the Deputies, near Ford Road.
Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area and observed two adult male subjects involved in a physical confrontation. One subject, later identified as Christopher Lopez (36-year-old male from Ukiah), appeared to be striking the second subject, identified as the 46-year-old male victim, who was on the ground at the time.
Upon noticing Sheriff’s Deputies, Lopez disengaged and approached the Deputies while claiming he had been attacked. Sheriff’s Deputies observed that Lopez displayed signs of alcohol intoxication and had visible injuries to his face. However, based on the observations at the scene, inconsistencies in Lopez’s statements, and physical evidence, investigators determined Lopez to be the dominant aggressor.
Further investigation revealed that Lopez and the victim were in a dating relationship. The victim sustained visible injuries consistent with being taken to the ground, corroborating the Deputy’s initial observations.
A records check indicated Lopez was currently on active formal probation in Mendocino County for 245(a)(4) PC – Assault likely to cause great bodily injury. Lopez’s formal probation included conditions such as abstain from alcohol, obey all laws, and having no contact with victim of the current assault.
Lopez was placed under arrest and transported to a local hospital for medical clearance prior to being booked into the Mendocino County Jail. Lopez was booked at the County Jail for 273.5 PC – Domestic Battery causing a Traumatic Injury, and 1203.2 PC – Violation of Probation. Lopez is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.
Anyone with information related to this incident is requested to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the non-emergency tip-line at 707-234-2100.”
