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CHP officer who pled no contest in Nevada domestic‑violence case faces decertification

Peace Officer Standards Accountability Advisory Board · February 9, 2026

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Summary

POST presented evidence that Elliot Lopez (formerly CHP) assaulted a partner in Las Vegas and later pled nolo contendere to a misdemeanor; the advisory board voted to forward the case for decertification review after hearing the respondent’s statement that he was blackout and has sought counseling.

The advisory board voted to forward POST case 2402838 for commission review after the division presented evidence that former California Highway Patrol officer Elliot Lopez physically assaulted a qualifying partner in Las Vegas in March 2024 and later entered a nolo contendere plea to a misdemeanor domestic‑battery charge.

Raymond Bechler, law enforcement consultant, summarized the Las Vegas security and Las Vegas Metro Police reports: officers and security found the victim with injuries, the respondent was detained, and the Las Vegas Metro report led to an arrest and booking. Bechler noted CHP sustained administrative findings and that the respondent resigned before a full agency discipline process concluded. The division recommended revocation or suspension of POST certification based on acts that violate the law.

Lopez addressed the board and said the conduct was out of character and that he had been blackout because of very high blood sugar and alcohol, adding that he took a no‑contest plea under pressure to avoid a longer prison term. "I did 100 completely blackout," Lopez said in his remarks to the board. He described completion of ordered counseling and ongoing therapy as mitigation.

Board members questioned the record, including the absence of a BAC at booking and the choice to plead nolo contendere. After public comment for and against the respondent and closed deliberations, the board recorded a roll call vote that carried the motion to advance the matter to the commission.