Bernalillo, NM (KKOB) – Police have identified the man involved in Tuesday morning’s active shooter incident in Bernalillo that forced the shutdown of Rail Runner Express service and Bernalillo Public Schools.
Investigators say 57-year-old Paul Mendez shot at three people sitting inside a truck near the Rail Runner Park and Ride around 4:30 a.m. No one was injured, but police say the truck was struck by gunfire, shattering a window.
Officers say the situation escalated into a shootout as Mendez tried to flee, running toward Bernalillo High School. He was later found hiding in a ditch, armed with two handguns and several rounds of ammunition.
Mendez faces 13 charges, including assault with a deadly weapon on five police officers, and is expected to appear before a judge to determine whether he will remain in jail.
