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Goodyear suspect released from hospital after officer-involved shooting
Posted
A man who was injured in an officer-involved shooting in Buckeye following a three-day search across the West Valley is now in custody.
Christopher Mendoza, 34, was booked into jail Monday, Jan. 6 on charges of aggravated assault, kidnapping, threatening, burglar, disorderly conduct and prohibited possession.
There, he allegedly forced a man to drive him to Avondale. Court documents state the victim initially offered the suspect to take his vehicle, but the suspect pulled out a gun and demanded a ride. Once in the Avondale area, the victim recalled the suspect throwing up and smelling of alcohol.
Police obtained a warrant to place a tracking device on a truck known to be driven by Mr. Mendoza, leading them to a hotel in Tolleson. However, police could not find him there, although they located two other people who had been at the Goodyear Walmart. Police reviewed video that showed Mr. Mendoza leaving in a vehicle that was registered to a home in Avondale.
Multiple law enforcement agencies convened at the location the night of Dec. 22. However, police said Mr. Mendoza was able to flee in an SUV. Instead, police arrested Mr. Mendoza's girlfriend due to having an outstanding warrant out of Avondale, as well as probable cause for lying to police about Mr. Mendoza's identity while at Walmart.
Police followed the SUV to the Cashion area of Avondale, where Mr. Mendoza exited the vehicle and was seen loading a firearm, records state.
Police noted the Cashion area has been troublesome for law enforcement, as some people there are known to intimidate, threaten and deter police from detaining whoever they are looking for — sometimes by reporting fake incidents or providing information that leads police somewhere else while a wanted suspect flees the area.
Such was the case on Dec. 22, when police pinpointed Mr. Mendoza at a home. However, police said gunfire rang out in the neighborhood, pulling resources away from the barricade situation. Mr. Mendoza reportedly fled from the back of the home, armed with a gun.
The search for Mr. Mendoza continued throughout Dec. 23. In the morning, police learned Mr. Mendoza had returned to the Cashion home to retrieve money he had left, records state. However, police began to receive calls that Mr. Mendoza was at multiple locations, an apparent rouse by the neighborhood.
Police then received word that Mr. Mendoza may be at a home in Surprise. Authorities responded there but did not locate him. They determined the occupants of the home were keeping police from learning Mr. Mendoza's true location.
However, around that same time, police learned of an officer-involved shooting in Buckeye. Authorities said the alleged suspect, Mr. Mendoza, had stolen a truck and tried to hit officers. At least one officer shot at Mr. Mendoza, who was injured and taken to Abrazo West Campus.
He remained hospitalized until his release and appearance in court Jan. 6. He was jailed in lieu of a $100,000 bond with court dates Jan. 13 and 15.