Bronx, New York — An 18-year-old man is facing attempted murder and other serious charges after police say he used a stolen vehicle to strike officers during a confrontation in the Bronx that ended with an NYPD officer opening fire.
The incident unfolded Sunday evening following a police operation that tracked a stolen vehicle through multiple New York City boroughs before officers attempted to stop it in the Bronx.
Authorities allege the driver, identified as Jayden Mendoza, 18, injured several officers, including an NYPD sergeant, while attempting to escape.
Police Tracked Stolen Vehicle Across the City
According to the New York Police Department, officers received an alert from a license plate reader at approximately 5:35 p.m. indicating that a silver Kia with New Jersey license plates had been reported stolen the previous day.
Investigators said members of the NYPD’s Community Response Team began following the vehicle as it traveled through Washington Heights and eventually entered the Bronx.
The pursuit came to an end near East Fordham Road between Webster and Decatur Avenues, where officers moved in to stop the vehicle.
Police said several unmarked patrol vehicles surrounded the Kia as officers approached and ordered the occupants to exit.
Officers Allegedly Struck During Escape Attempt
Authorities say the situation escalated when Mendoza allegedly refused commands and attempted to flee.
According to police, the driver first reversed into an unmarked police vehicle before allegedly striking several officers.
Investigators further allege that Mendoza then accelerated forward and struck an NYPD sergeant, causing the officer to be thrown to the ground.
The incident quickly became chaotic as officers attempted to avoid being hit by the moving vehicle.
Police officials said another officer climbed onto an unmarked vehicle to avoid being struck during the confrontation.
Officer Opens Fire During Confrontation
Authorities said an officer discharged a weapon when Mendoza allegedly continued maneuvering the vehicle in a manner that endangered officers nearby.
The 18-year-old was struck by gunfire and transported to a hospital. Officials said he remains hospitalized while facing criminal charges connected to the incident.
Several injured officers, including the sergeant who was allegedly hit by the vehicle, were also taken to local hospitals.
Police reported that the injured officers were listed in stable condition.
Passenger Arrested on Weapons Charge
Investigators said a second suspect, identified as Angel Robles, 20, exited the vehicle before the stop was completed.
Robles was arrested separately and charged with criminal possession of a loaded firearm.
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According to the NYPD, officers recovered a loaded Glock 22 handgun and an extended magazine from inside the vehicle.
Images of the recovered weapon were later shared by the department on social media.
Teen Previously Faced Other Felony Charges
Police officials also noted that Mendoza had previously been arrested in connection with a separate felony case.
According to authorities, he had earlier been charged in a February shooting investigation involving another individual.
The latest charges stem from Sunday’s confrontation and include attempted murder, according to the NYPD.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue reviewing evidence and witness statements related to the incident.
As the criminal case moves forward, authorities are expected to provide additional details regarding the charges and the officer-involved shooting.
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