# Florida Keys Fugitive Caught in Mexico After Felony Trial Escape
*Armando Lopez, wanted for attempted murder and carjacking in Monroe County, was apprehended by U.S. Marshals after fleeing to Mexico.*

- Medio: Orlando Ledger News (https://orlandoledgernews.com)
- URL: https://orlandoledgernews.com/noticia/florida-keys-fugitive-caught-in-mexico-after-felony-trial-escape
- Sección: Security
- Autor: Orlando Ledger News Staff
- Publicado: 2026-10-07T12:37:57.998Z
> Armando Lopez, accused of beating a deputy and carjacking in Key Largo, was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Mexico after skipping his trial in Monroe County.

## Las claves

- Armando Lopez caught in Mexico after fleeing felony charges
- Incident occurred in Key Largo involving sheriff's deputy
- Extradition process begins as he faces life in prison

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Armando Lopez, a Florida Keys man who fled the country to avoid felony charges, has been apprehended by U.S. Marshals in Mexico. The 53-year-old suspect was taken into custody on Monday after skipping his trial in Plantation Key, where he faced accusations including attempted murder and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer. Lopez is now being held by Mexican authorities while awaiting extradition to the United States.

### The Escape from Monroe County

Lopez’s absence was noted when the six-person jury began deliberating on Friday morning regarding charges stemming from an incident on December 21, 2024. The case originated as a domestic violence call at Lopez's home in Key Largo but escalated significantly. According to Sheriff Rick Ramsay, prosecutors stated that Lopez became angry after no plea deals were offered and planned his departure before the trial concluded.

Without Lopez present, the jury convicted him of attempted murder, aggravated battery on a sheriff’s sergeant, domestic battery, grand theft auto, fleeing and eluding police, and burglary. The conviction came in less than an hour. Judge James Morgan issued a no-bond warrant for his arrest immediately after he failed to appear.

### Details of the Original Incident

The charges stem from events that began when a sheriff’s sergeant responded to Lopez's residence on Palm Drive, where he was reportedly beating a woman with whom he had an intermittent relationship. Body camera footage presented by Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield shows Lopez attacking the deputy and attempting to seize his service weapon before stealing the patrol car, a story we covered in [Lake Worth Man Charged With Lobster Violations In Florida Keys](/noticia/lake-worth-man-charged-with-lobster-violations-in-florida-keys).

After abandoning the stolen police vehicle, Lopez forced a woman out of her SUV in Key Largo. He subsequently lost control of the Kia during a pursuit with deputies and Florida Highway Patrol troopers on U.S. 1 near mile marker 104. At the time of his initial arrest, Lopez was free on $460,000 bond.

### Tracking the Fugitive

Lopez’s father initially told prosecutors he did not know where his son had gone but later informed detectives that Lopez intended to leave the country. Law enforcement tracked Lopez's rental car using license plate readers in Texas and again as it crossed into Mexico at Laredo.

Upon notification from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals located and arrested Lopez on Monday. He faces life in prison for his convictions. "He’ll be taken back to Monroe County to face justice," said Sheriff Ramsay regarding the extradition process.
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Fuente original: https://orlandoledgernews.com/noticia/florida-keys-fugitive-caught-in-mexico-after-felony-trial-escape