GOODYEAR — Goodyear Police are asking for the public’s help in the search for 34-year-old Christopher Mendoza, who forced the evacuation of a Walmart and kidnapped a man at gunpoint.
According to Goodyear Police, officers responded to reports of a man with a gun at the Walmart near I-10 and Estrella Parkway Friday at approximately 1:37 a.m. Officers learned that Mendoza had threatened his girlfriend with a gun.
When confronted by an officer, Mendoza reached for a gun while fleeing the area. He proceeded to run toward the back of the store and out the doors into the neighborhood to the west. Mendoza confronted a man in a car and kidnapped him at gunpoint, demanding a ride to Litchfield and MC85 in Avondale.
Mendoza is described as a Hispanic male with a tattoo under his right eye and a tattoo which reads “Cashion” on his neck. He is approximately 5’5’’- 5’7″ tall, average build, and weighs approximately 180-190 lbs. He has very short brown hair with receding hair line and often wears a baseball hat. He has a trimmed mustache.
Mendoza is currently wanted by Goodyear Police on the following charges:
• Aggravated Assault on Police X2
• Threatening and Intimidating
• Threatening leading to an Evacuation
• Misconduct Involving Weapons (prohibited possessor)
• Disorderly Conduct
• Kidnapping
Mendoza is considered armed and dangerous.