MENDOCINO Co., 7/25/18 — The Ukiah Police Department (UPD) has released the name of the young man who was killed last Thursday in Ukiah. Jesus Rafael Mendoza, 22 of Ukiah, was shot and killed on the night of July 19th, on Bush St. near Empire Dr. in Ukiah — he was shot multiple times and died at the scene. Another man, 24, whose name has not been released was also shot and taken to an out of county hospital, he appears to be in stable condition.
A suspect was apprehended the night of the shooting, after an extensive chase. That suspect is a 17 year old male, whose name has not been release due to the fact that he is a juvenile. He is currently being held in-county, at juvenile hall.
After the shooting a chase took place around south Ukiah, in which most of the law enforcement agencies of the area participated, including the California Highway Patrol, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, UPD, and even some personnel from the district attorney’s office.
Detective Sergeant Cedric Crook of the UPD, explained that the second victim is conscious and able to communicate, and though as of a few days ago he was in the intensive care unit, there was talk of releasing him.
Crook elaborated that investigation is ongoing and that detectives are still looking into motivation, as well whether or not the victims knew the suspect. Both the victims and the suspect as described as being Ukiah area residents.
The shooting, which occurred at the north end of Ukiah, set off an hour long manhunt and chase in which multiple agencies were involved. The suspect’s vehicle was first spotted by law enforcement, probably the CHP, on S. State St. near the 101. A car pursuit ensued, in which the suspect appears to have crashed then bailed. He ran towards the Walmart shopping center area, and at one point entered Crush Restaurant, where he changed clothes before exiting. However, he was apprehended just next door at the Hampton Inn soon after.
The case is still being actively investigated and police ask anyone with information about the situation to call the main non-emergency UPD line at 707.463.6262.
Here is our breaking coverage of the chase as it happened:
Adrian Fernandez Baumann, [email protected]
This so sad. Just children killing each other and dying before they have even lived.
These “children” are vicious, feral thugs who would as soon kill you for a dollar as look at you.
Agreed.
“Children” is a euphemism that should not be extended to teenagers today
Jesus Rafael Mendoza was my friend and a good person. He wasn’t a vicious thug. He had a big heart. I never seen him be disrespectful to anybody. It’s wrong for u guys to be so judge mental. Just cus he was at the wrong place at the wrong time.