KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Kissimmee police have identified a person of interest in the homicide investigation into the death of Charles Harper.
The Kissimmee Police Department named Nicolas Alexander Lopez as a person of interest in the case. Lopez is currently in custody at the Seminole County Jail and has also been charged with grand theft auto in connection with the theft of Harper’s vehicle.
Harper, 71, was found dead Thursday at a home on Heather Way, in a neighborhood off Mill Slough Road. Police responded after receiving a report of a person with “apparent injuries.”
Harper’s dark blue Nissan pickup truck — bearing Florida tag 89E-EYV and missing paint in several places — was taken from the home. It was later recovered by the Altamonte Springs Police Department near Montgomery Road and West Central Parkway after officers observed the driver making an unsafe lane change.
Police identified the driver as Lopez, 32. According to investigators, Lopez initially refused to identify himself and provided officers with a false birthdate.
Lopez was booked into the Seminole County Jail on charges of resisting an officer without violence and providing false identification to law enforcement, in addition to the grand theft auto charge.
Neighbors told News 6 the home where Harper was found is vacant. They said Harper had been mowing the lawn for the homeowner Thursday morning when he likely encountered the suspect.
Several neighbors also said Harper knew the homeowner through a church they attended in Orange County.
Authorities canvassed the neighborhood Thursday, asking residents whether home surveillance systems captured the truck leaving the area.
Anyone with information can call Crimeline and remain anonymous at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).