Las Vegas Police Officer Exchanges Gunfire with Sex Assault Suspect: Charges Filed
Jaime Mendoza, 54, is facing seven charges after allegedly shooting at a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officer following a high-speed chase in North Las Vegas. The charges stem from an earlier reported sex assault and kidnapping incident.
The incident unfolded on Friday night when officers responded to a sex assault and kidnapping report on North Christy Lane in Sunrise Manor. Mendoza fled the scene in a Toyota RAV4, leading officers on a pursuit that culminated in a dramatic confrontation.
High-Speed Chase and Gunfire
At around 10 p.m., officers attempted to stop Mendoza’s vehicle near Owens Avenue and Marion Drive. However, Mendoza evaded the police and continued driving at a high speed. The chase ended when Mendoza’s vehicle crashed into a palm tree and another car on North Las Vegas Boulevard.
As Mendoza attempted to flee on foot, he allegedly fired a shot at one of the officers, prompting a return of gunfire. Mendoza sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg but managed to escape the scene. A manhunt ensued, leading to his arrest on Linn Lane in Sunrise Manor two days later.
After receiving medical treatment at University Medical Center, Mendoza was taken into custody at the Clark County Detention Center, where he remains as of Thursday morning. If convicted on the charges, he could face a lengthy prison sentence.
Officer Involved and Investigation
The officer involved in the shooting, Marcos Gomez, 33, has been placed on paid administrative leave as per LVMPD protocol. An investigation will determine the justification of the officer’s use of deadly force during the exchange of gunfire. Fortunately, no officers were injured in the incident.
This shooting marks the 14th officer-involved shooting in LVMPD’s jurisdiction this year, shedding light on the dangers law enforcement officers face in the line of duty. The community is reminded of the risks officers take to ensure public safety and uphold the law.
As the legal process unfolds, the details of the sex assault and kidnapping charges against Mendoza have not been released to the public. The case serves as a reminder of the complex and often dangerous situations police officers navigate daily to protect the community.
