Posted on: December 2, 2024, 11:45h.
Last updated on: December 2, 2024, 11:45h.
A 54-year-old man was apprehended by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) on Sunday two days after he exchanged gunfire with officers.
The shooter, identified as Jaime Mendoza, was described as being “armed and dangerous,” during the weekend manhunt.
Chase Ended in Crash
The incident started with officers searching for him after a Friday night chase and crash, which ended with him shooting at police, before he ran away.
He’s a suspect in a prior unspecified violent crime which took place near the intersection of Christy Lane and East Bonanza Road in Nevada’s Sunrise Manor neighborhood on Friday, police said.
A short time later, at 10:26 p.m. officers tried to stop the car in which was Mendoza.
He initially evaded police in what was described as a “high rate of speed.” But within a few minutes, the vehicle crashed into palm trees near North Las Vegas Boulevard and Owens Avenue, about a half mile from where officers first spotted him.
Mendoza Fired at Cops
Mendoza jumped out of the car and began to run away. He turned and allegedly fired a round of ammunition at the officers chasing him.
One officer returned gunfire, and the officers then took cover near the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and North Fitch Street, after they feared for their safety.
Mendoza once again was able to avoid capture. He was on the lam for two days.
No details were provided on how he was apprehended on Sunday.
No officer was injured in Friday’s exchange of gunfire. But police initially believed Mendoza may have suffered an unspecified injury. It was unknown as of Friday if Mendoza was struck by gunfire discharged by the officers.
No word if he required medical treatment following his arrest. He’s likely to appear in local court this week.
A LVMPD officer who was involved in the shooting with Mendoza was identified as Marcos Gomez, 33, Las Vegas TV station KLAS reported.
Mendoza faces several unspecified charges. He was booked at the Clark County Detention Center. He remained in custody as of Monday morning.
Friday night’s exchange of gunfire with Mendoza represents the 14th officer-involved shooting in the LVMPD jurisdiction so far during 2024.
Later this week, the LVMPD is to provide more information on the case and details on the officer-involved shooting.
