Published on: December 6, 2024, 07:17h.

Last updated on: December 6, 2024, 07:17h.

The individual who led police on a chase in Las Vegas on a Friday night, crashed his vehicle at a casino parking lot, and fired at an officer, had earlier kidnapped and sexually assaulted a sex worker, as per authorities.

The incident on November 29 began when the suspect, Jaime Mendoza, 54, coerced the unnamed prostitute into his car after threatening her with a firearm, as announced by prosecutors in court this week.

Threatened With Large Knife

Once inside the vehicle, he menaced her with a foot-long hunting knife, bound her hands and feet with a rope, and had a rope in the car to restrain her from moving while he drove, prosecutors mentioned.

Mendoza then took her to his residence in Sunrise Manor, Nevada, where he directed her into a bedroom, threatened her life, and forced her to engage in sexual activities, the police reported.

After the forced encounter, he drove her back to her vehicle where the abduction initially occurred, according to the police.

Upon being released, the sex worker contacted the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).

Suspect Was Victim’s ‘Regular Customer’

During an interview with an officer, she revealed Mendoza was a “regular customer” for over a year and they usually met twice a week.

She mentioned they were supposed to meet for a “prostitution date” on Friday night, as per Las Vegas TV station KLAS.

After gathering information from the victim, officers soon spotted Mendoza driving his car. Police tried to stop the vehicle initially.

However, Mendoza fled. Shortly after, officers located the car and engaged in a high-speed pursuit. He eventually lost control of the vehicle, crashed into a palm tree near a parking lot at an unspecified North Las Vegas casino.

He fled from the scene and fired a shot at the pursuing LVMPD officers.

Officer Marcos Gomez returned fire, injuring Mendoza in the hip. Despite the injury, Mendoza evaded capture and discarded a firearm near a North Las Vegas church.

Subsequently, LVMPD initiated an extensive search for Mendoza, warning the public that he was armed and dangerous.

He was eventually located on Linn Lane at a relative’s residence on Sunday and apprehended.

Due to his injuries, Mendoza was taken to University Medical Center for treatment before being booked at the Clark County Detention Center where he is currently detained as of Friday morning.

Prosecutors disclosed that Mendoza had placed a GPS device on the sex worker’s car before the kidnapping.

The victim appeared to have no significant physical injuries from the ordeal, and no officers were harmed during the pursuit or gunfire exchange.

Held Without Bail

On Wednesday, Judge Nadia Wood of Clark County Justice Court ordered Mendoza to be held without bail.

Initially, prosecutors requested a $1 million bail, citing him as a flight risk and a danger to the public, according to Las Vegas TV station KSNV.

However, considering the circumstances, Wood ruled it best not to set bail at this time.

Mendoza faces charges of attempted murder of a first responder, resisting arrest with a firearm, aggravated stalking, vehicle burglary, kidnapping, disobeying a law enforcement officer, and sexual assault.

If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence.

Among the evidence presented is the firearm Mendoza allegedly discarded near the church.

Mendoza is scheduled for his next court appearance on Monday, where bail may be set. He is also set to appear in court in January for a preliminary hearing.

The shooting last Friday marked the 14th officer-involved shooting so far this year within the LVMPD’s jurisdiction.