Man held in shooting at deputy’s patrol car in Bakersfield

A man in Bakersfield opened fire at a sheriff’s deputy’s patrol car early Wednesday before slashing his own throat and begging deputies to kill him, authorities said.

Bernardo Mendoza, 33, was arrested on suspicion of attempting to kill a peace officer after a brief standoff with Kern County Sheriff’s Department deputies, according to a statement issued by the department.

The incident began about 1:30 a.m. as a deputy responded to a report of a prowler in the 2000 block of Pacific Street. As the deputy talked with the homeowner who reported the prowler, Mendoza fired several shots at the deputy’s patrol car, sheriff’s officials said.

The deputy brought the homeowner to safety before running after Mendoza. After more deputies arrived on the scene, Mendoza was located three blocks away. As deputies came near him, he slashed his throat with a glass bottle.

“Mendoza began yelling at the deputies to kill him and began throwing items at the deputies,” the statement by the Sheriff’s Department said.

Deputies subdued and began performing first aid on Mendoza, who was transported to the hospital. Following surgery, he was listed in critical condition but was expected to survive, officials said.

The handgun used by Mendoza was stolen in 2007, officials said. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Mendoza is being held on $600,000 bail, according to jail records. He will be booked at the Sheriff’s Central Receiving Facility after his release from the hospital.

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