SPRINGDALE, Ark. — A security guard involved in a deadly shooting outside of Zabana Nightclub in Springdale last year will not face charges, according to prosecutors.
The incident took place on Dec. 17, 2023. Police say the security guard, who was with the nightclub, kicked 21-year-old Steven Ogando Lopez out after he was allegedly "causing issues" and had a knife with him.
The guard told police that Lopez went to a vehicle, got a gun, and returned to the scene, pointing it toward the security guard, who shot him.
The Springdale Police Department (SPD) found Lopez with two gunshot wounds. He later died at a nearby hospital.
Police said the security guard stayed on the scene and "cooperated with the investigation" before being taken to the police station for investigation.
Washington County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Denis Dean told 5NEWS that the shooting was deemed justified.
"I can confirm that we will not be filing charges because the evidence showed the shooting was justified," Dean said.
Juan Carlos Frias-Villa, who was kicked out of the club alongside Lopez, allegedly got into a vehicle while the altercation was taking place and drove toward another security guard, hitting him. Sargeant Matthew Ray with SPD confirms that the security guard who got hit "was treated and released," from the hospital.
Frias-Villa left the scene but was later arrested and admitted to hitting the other guard with his vehicle. He faces a charge of second-degree battery. He has pleaded not guilty, and a trial date has been set for Sept. 11, 2024.
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