Man arrested in Tulsa County for threatening girlfriend and evading law enforcement

Tulsa County law enforcement officers recently took Gael Lopez into custody after he allegedly threatened his girlfriend with a firearm and evaded authorities by hiding behind a shed. The dramatic arrest was captured on body camera and drone footage, showcasing the intense pursuit that lasted nearly two hours. Lopez, who has a history of criminal behavior, was previously apprehended for charges that included kidnapping, assault, and attempting to outrun deputies. Despite being handed a deferred sentence of six years, a warrant was issued for his arrest last month due to his non-compliance with probation terms. The latest incident on June 6th, 2025, once again put Lopez on law enforcement’s radar when his girlfriend reported that he was menacing her with a gun.

Upon arrival at the scene, deputies realized that Lopez posed a significant threat to the public as he attempted to evade capture, a tactic he had employed in previous encounters with law enforcement. Deputy Kimber Take noted that Lopez had a pattern of either fleeing or concealing himself when faced with arrest. Sergeant Ernie Mendenhall initiated the use of K9 Missy, a bloodhound trained to sniff out human scents, in an effort to track down Lopez. During the chase, Lopez dropped his firearm and phone while attempting to elude capture through rough terrain and fenced areas. The determined efforts of law enforcement led to Lopez’s eventual discovery behind the shed where he was concealing himself.

This recent incident echoed Lopez’s previous run-ins with the law, such as an arrest in April of the previous year when he was found hiding in a closet at a woman’s residence. In that instance, Lopez had fled from deputies following a pursuit that involved a one-year-old child and the child’s mother in the vehicle with him. After crashing the vehicle, Lopez abandoned his passengers and went into hiding until law enforcement officers located and apprehended him.

Lopez’s continued disregard for the law resulted in a warrant being issued for his arrest in May 2025. Violations of probation terms included failure to comply with drug testing requirements, breaching a no-contact order with the victim, being expelled from a program for domestic violence offenders after threatening another participant’s life, and the most recent charges against him. As a felon, Lopez faces charges of domestic assault and possession of a firearm, landing him in custody at the Tulsa County jail.

The recurring pattern of criminal activity exhibited by Gael Lopez underscores the dangers posed by individuals who persist in defying law enforcement. Despite receiving multiple opportunities for rehabilitation, Lopez’s choices have led to increased risks to public safety and further entanglements with the justice system. Law enforcement officers remain vigilant in their efforts to protect the community and bring individuals like Lopez to justice, ensuring that those who engage in criminal behavior are held accountable for their actions.