The Santa Barbara man faces felony charges after allegedly attacking a California Highway Patrol officer who was arresting him for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced Friday that Jesse Mendoza, 20, has been charged with three felony and four misdemeanors in the October 2024 attack.
According to a DA release, it happened on October 5th when CHP officials pulled Mendoza for something that was described as a “vehicle code” violation.
Investigators discovered Mendoza was driving while drunk, so he handcuffed the then 19-year-old and put him in a CHP vehicle to carry him for his arrest.
“On the way to the California Highway Patrol Station for an appointment, the defendant escaped handcuffs and attacked the driver,” the DA’s office elaborated.
Officials did not say how Mendoza escaped from the handcuffs. Details regarding the attack and officer health were not immediately available.
Mendoza, a felon already convicted at the time of this arrest, fled the officers after the attack, but was eventually taken into custody.
“Mendoza was convicted of assaulting a deadly weapon five months ago in Santa Barbara County,” the release said.
The DA’s office said Mendoza is facing the next charge.
PC 245(c) – Attack on Peace Officer PC 664/203 – Mayhem PC 243(c)(2) – Peace Officer PC battery 836.6(b) – Arrest PC 148(a)(1) – Resistance, obstruction, Peace Officer VC 23152(a)
Special claim:
PC 667S2 – Pre-Strike 2 PC 1170(h)(3) – Pre-Serious or Violent Felony PC 667(a)(1) – Felony Pre-
Mendoza is scheduled to file an information complaint April 1, and is in custody at the Ventura County Jail, with bail set at $250,000.
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