BUCKEYE, Ariz. — A man wanted on kidnapping and threatening charges out of Goodyear was shot by police in Buckeye Monday evening.
Buckeye police confirmed Christoper Mendoza was shot after a Buckeye police officer on their way home spotted him walking along Verrado Way around 5:30 p.m.
When authorities contacted Mendoza he allegedly waved a gun and threatened to commit suicide. Police say he mentioned he might have a hostage and continued to disobey orders.
A spokesperson with Buckeye PD says Mendoza tried to break into a home and stole a pest control truck with the keys inside.
Mendoza is suspected of causing an evacuation at Walmart and then forcing a driver at gunpoint to give him a ride on Friday. He then allegedly barricaded himself inside an Avondale home on Sunday night after a police chase, according to law enforcement.
Mendoza was taken to the hospital where, as of Tuesday morning, he remained in critical condition, police said.