Commission revokes POST certification of former CHP officer Elliot Lopez after domestic violence finding

The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training voted to revoke the certification of former California Highway Patrol officer Elliot Lopez after the Peace Officer Standards Accountability Division presented findings that Lopez committed domestic violence in Las Vegas on March 24, 2024.

Rob Guyton, bureau chief for the division, told commissioners that CHP investigators sustained allegations following Lopez’s arrest in Las Vegas and that the Clark County District Attorney amended criminal charges to a felony battery resulting in substantial bodily injury before Lopez later pled to a misdemeanor domestic battery. Guyton said the advisory board voted 5–1 to recommend revocation of Lopez’s POST certification.

Guyton summarized the division’s account: hotel security and Las Vegas Metro Police responded after screams and calls from other guests; the victim was on the 25th floor, was taken to a hospital for treatment and officers documented visible injuries. Guyton said the division found clear and convincing evidence that Lopez’s conduct violated commission regulations and state penal code provisions and was inconsistent with a peace officer’s duty to uphold the law.

Elliot Lopez, who identified himself to the commission as formerly employed by the CHP, addressed the panel and denied that the behavior described matched his character. “I do apologize if I was a part of that,” Lopez said, adding that he had no recollection of the incident, attributed the episode to heavy drinking and health problems, has stopped drinking and has sought therapy. He asked the commission to allow him to remain a peace officer.

Members of the public who spoke before the panel urged stronger training for schools and accountability for officers; one speaker alleged unrelated local officer misconduct involving solicitation of minors and urged suspension of certification for that officer. Commission staff and presenters noted the commission’s role at this stage is to review the record and determine whether a subsequent evidentiary hearing is warranted.

A motion to revoke Lopez’s certification was made, seconded and approved by roll call. The clerk reported 14 votes in favor and the motion carried. The revocation follows POST’s finding and the advisory board’s recommendation. The commission did not receive new factual evidence at the meeting; the vote was based on the record presented by the division and the advisory board.

The commission moved on to a second case after the vote; no further procedural steps for Lopez were announced at the meeting.