Monroe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Tuesday, Oct. 6, that Armando Lopez, 53, a resident of Key Largo, was taken into custody in Mexico after failing to appear for the remainder of his trial on attempted murder and other charges in Plantation Key.

Law‑enforcement cooperation leads to capture

According to Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Lopez vanished from the courtroom on Friday, Oct. 2, prompting an immediate warrant for his arrest. County investigators traced his movements to the Texas border, where he attempted to cross into Mexico. The sheriff’s office then alerted the U.S. Marshals Service, which continued the pursuit across the border and coordinated with Mexican authorities to secure Lopez’s arrest.

Charges and pending trial

Lopez faces an attempted murder count stemming from an incident on Plantation Key, along with additional felony allegations. The trial, scheduled to resume later this month, was halted when Lopez failed to appear, violating court orders and endangering public safety.

Statement from the sheriff

“Thank you to the hardworking men and women of the Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, and all of our law‑enforcement partners for getting this dangerous criminal off the streets,” Ramsay said in an official statement. He emphasized that the swift action demonstrates Monroe County’s commitment to protecting residents and upholding the rule of law.

Impact on the community

Local residents expressed relief that a suspect accused of a violent crime was removed from the community. The case underscores the importance of inter‑agency collaboration in pursuing fugitives who attempt to evade justice by fleeing the state.

Next steps

Lopez will be extradited back to Florida to face the pending charges. Monroe County officials said they will continue to work closely with state and federal partners to ensure that individuals who threaten public safety are held accountable, regardless of where they try to hide.

Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.