Las Vegas Cops Arrest ‘Armed and Dangerous’ Suspect Who Allegedly Fired Gun at Officers

Posted on: December 2, 2024, 11:45h. 

Last updated on: December 2, 2024, 11:57h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

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.

Jaime Mendoza
Jaime Mendoza in a mug shot, pictured above. He was arrested on Sunday. (Image: LVMPD)

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 Mendoza after a Friday night chase and crash, which ended with him shooting at police before he ran away.

Mendoza is a suspect in a prior unspecified violent crime that took place near the intersection of Christy Lane and East Bonanza Road in Nevada’s Sunrise Manor neighborhood on Friday, police said.

At 10:26 p.m. officers tried to stop the car Mendoza was in. He initially evaded police while traveling at 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.

Mendoza once again was able to avoid capture and remained 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 believed Mendoza may have suffered an unspecified injury. It was unknown as of Friday if Mendoza was struck by gunfire discharged by the officers.

An 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.