Man accused of opening fire during botched drug deal

Authorities arrested man months after they said he arranged a drug deal then robbed and shot the dealers.

Juan Mendez, 23, had been wanted since June, when he allegedly took part in an illegal narcotics transaction with two men ages 19 and 20.

Mendez allegedly pulled out a gun and robbed the men of drugs and their property before opening fire, police said. Officers responded to a call of shots fired shortly after 5 p.m. June 18 at Cheryl Ladd Park at 11510 Cheryl Ladd Ct. on El Paso’s East Side. Police were able to secure a warrant for Mendez, but could not locate him.

On Friday, members of the U.S. Marshal’s Lone Star Fugitive Task Force spotted Mendez at an apartment complex on Ridge Street in West El Paso. Mendez allegedly tried to flee but was caught after a brief foot chase.

He was arrested and booked in the El Paso County Jail without bond on one count of assault causing bodily injury family violence and once count of sexual assault

Mendez is also charged with aggravated assault with a weapon; aggravated robbery; evading arrest. His bonds totaled $230,000. Mendez also had eight outstanding municipal court warrants.