By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
Jimmy Lopez
A former candidate for the San Benito City Commission was arrested on Wednesday, January 9, after allegedly harassing employees at two different businesses.
San Benito police responded to Capital One Bank located on the 100 block of South Sam Houston at approximately 3:49 p.m. in reference to an unwanted male subject identified as 49-year-old Santiago “Jimmy” Lopez.
“We got a report of a person harassing employees at the bank,” said Detective Rogelio Banda, Jr. of the San Benito Police Department. “By time officers arrived, he had already left the location. The branch manager was identify, and stated that he was not a customer there. He had no business going to the bank or harassing employees.”
According to Banda, Lopez was allegedly persistent in trying to make “small talk” with the female employees at the bank. Banda said the female employees were uncomfortable as a result.
While an officer was writing a police report, a call came in of an unwanted subject, identified as Lopez, at Bekins Gulf Transport and Storage, located on the 100 block of South Bowie Street.
“He went in harassing the employees and spitting on the floor,” said Banda. “He was asked to leave but he refused. When the officers arrived he was already walking away from the location.”
Officers allegedly detected a strong odor of alcohol on Lopez, who was placed under arrest “for his safety and that of the public,” Banda stated in a press release. Specifically, Lopez was arrested for public intoxication due to alcohol consumption.
The manager of the moving company filed charges against Lopez for criminal trespass. Justice of the Peace Manuel Flores arraigned Lopez, who is currently free on a $3,000 bond.
Both Bekins and Capital One filed affidavits preventing Lopez from returning to the businesses.
Lopez was formerly employed with the San Benito CISD Afterschool Program and ran unsuccessfully for the Place 4 San Benito City Commission post in 2004. At one point, Lopez was also an-involved coach for the San Benito Youth Baseball-Softball League.
Attempts to reach Lopez for comment were unsuccessful as of presstime Friday.
Read this story in the Jan. 13 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
8 comments
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Jimmy has had a bad fall from grace. He loss a lot in his life that made him a good person. But now divorced, have not see his kids or grand kids since the the ex-wife move out of the valley with the kids. His family has tried to help but when he is off the mark he pushes back to the point of cutting all ties with the family and friends. Wish him well and good health and that he seeks the help he needs. Sad to see Jimmy so down on his luck these days.
My ex baseball coach looks a little differet! This man did a lot for me help me with homework or take me to practice. I remember many things about Jimmy and all he tought me.
I have known jimmy since my school days…..he has always been a respectable person towards me…..he lost his job or wife…..or girlfriend…..he needs help……this is not something that is easy to cope with. I am not making excuses…..he just needs to dust himself off…..getback up …..and keep walking forward.
Jimmy is not a loser! I have known about jimmy since he was teenager…Jimmy’s problem is medical..Many productive people who are bi-polar behave this way, and make very bad choices…Just like Jimmy, they often lose their families, their jobs, and their status in the community. Jimmy needs help….a guiding hand, someone who understands him. I would hate to see people we love struck down by this illness. Believe me when I say I know what his going through. I have at least one family member that is bi-polar and know very ciose friends who are also bi-polar, all exhibit the same type of behavior. There is hope for him with the proper treatment!
I like your comment may I know your real name
Get a job and stop stalking girls
He was an excellent coach to many children at the boy and girls club.
I personally will always appreciate him for it.
In my opinion,Its not in his character to stoop this low..it’s the liquer.
Hope he gets the help he needs IF its an addiction he has to it.
What a loser!