Police still searching for Felipe Mendoza

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- New Ulm police were left Saturday with little to go on in their search for Felipe Mendoza, 27, who is being sought on an arrest warrant issued for suspicion of domestic assault and auto theft.

Mendoza eluded capture Friday when a combined strike force of city police, Brown County Sheriff's deputies, Minnesota State Troopers and the Tri-County Emergency Response Unit surrounded a small house off of Water St. where Mendoza was believed to be living.

After surrounding the house Friday morning and waiting for a search warrant and an arrest warrant, the 12-member ER team ordered Mendoza out of the house by bullhorn, but there was no response.

They then fired explosive grenades, 14 rounds of tear gas and a canister of pepper gas into the house and its basement. After waiting another 15 minutes, the team stormed the house, breaking down the door with a battering ram.

All they found were a couple pieces of furniture.

The police department reported only a couple of reports Saturday, but "nothing solid." One was a local citizen's sighting which turned out to be a case of mistaken identity.

New Ulm police had received reports of domestic violence at that residence Thursday night. Mendoza's probation officer then signed an arrest and detainment order for the offense.

Mendoza also has outstanding warrants for drug charges in Clay and Stearns counties. He is described as 5-foot, 9-inches tall, weighs 195 pounds and is in good physical condition.

Mendoza is believed driving a tan, four-door 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier sedan with a sun and moon sticker in the rear window and bearing Minnesota license plate BYD 496. The vehicle reportedly was stolen from Mendoza's father-in-law.

Police Chief Howard Zins said Mendoza is believed to have a 9-millimeter semi-automatic gun and several knives and should be considered dangerous.

New Ulm police are asking anyone with information about Mendoza to call (507) 233-6750. If you see him, police advise that you do not approach him.