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# What the video of Florentino Lopez's arrest shows and what remains unclear
- URL: https://www.santanero.org/news/lopez-arrest/2026/10/07/what-the-video-of-florentino-lopezs-arrest-shows-and-what-remains-unclear/
- Published: 2026-10-07T20:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-09T12:34:33.000Z
- Description: A cellphone recording captures Santa Ana police officers repeatedly striking and restraining Lopez. The footage does not show how the encounter began.
- Author: Daniel Diaz
- Tags: Lopez Arrest, #story-navigation, #nav: The Video, #order: 02

\[reporting: 5th & Jackson, Santa Anita\]

A cellphone video of Florentino Lopez's Oct. 1 arrest has prompted two outside investigations and renewed questions about police use of force in Santa Ana.

> [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeNG3tHsIZH/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading)
> 
> [A post shared by The Santanero (@thesantanero)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeNG3tHsIZH/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading)

The Santanero obtained a [recording](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeNG3tHsIZH/?ref=santanero.org) showing several minutes of the encounter near Jackson and Fifth streets. The footage documents the officers' actions during part of the arrest, but it does not establish everything that happened beforehand.

## What the recording captures

At the start of the footage, Lopez is positioned against the front of a police vehicle, with officers standing on either side of him.

An officer pulls Lopez away from the vehicle and takes him to the pavement. The recording then shows repeated punches and knee strikes directed toward his upper body and head while Lopez appears to raise his arms defensively.

A second officer becomes involved in the restraint. Blood is subsequently visible near Lopez's face.

Additional officers arrive as members of Lopez's family approach the scene. The recording shows officers moving relatives away while others continue restraining Lopez.

At one point, an officer appears to place a knee near Lopez's neck and upper back.

The footage ends while Lopez's mother is trying to approach him.

**\[Insert the original Instagram video here.\]**

## What the video cannot establish

The recording does not show the beginning of the police encounter or explain what led officers to approach Lopez.

Attorney John Kremer has said Lopez was outside a residence with a relative when officers recognized him and directed him to approach. Kremer also said Lopez was on felony probation subject to search-and-seizure conditions.

That account provides context but does not replace the portions of the encounter missing from the recording.

## Criminal charges remain pending

Lopez pleaded not guilty on Oct. 5 to four allegations:

### Charges against Florentino Lopez 

Lopez pleaded not guilty to all four counts on Oct. 5\. 

| Charge                                                                                             | Level       | Plea           |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------- | -------------- |
| **PC 69(a)**Obstruct or resist executive officer                                                   | Felony      | **Not guilty** |
| **PC 148(a)(1)**Resisting public or peace officer                                                  | Misdemeanor | **Not guilty** |
| **VC 21954(a)**Pedestrian must yield outside a crosswalk                                           | Infraction  | **Not guilty** |
| **HS 11362.3(a)(5)**Cannabis on school, daycare or youth center grounds while children are present | Misdemeanor | **Not guilty** |

Charges are allegations and do not establish guilt. 

## Investigators will review more evidence

Santa Ana officials have authorized two separate outside investigations. One will examine the officers' conduct for potential policy violations; the other will report directly to the City Council.

Councilmembers have also viewed body-worn camera footage that was not publicly available when the council announced its actions.

The cellphone recording provides a significant account of the force used during the arrest. The investigations will need to consider that footage alongside other evidence, including police recordings, reports and the circumstances preceding the recorded encounter.

Lopez's next court dates are scheduled for Oct. 13 and Oct. 15.