Man accused in fatal hit-and-run crash previously accused of robbery and kidnapping
Man facing charges in deadly hit-and-run crash also accused of robbery and kidnapping.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – A man suspected by police as the driver of a fatal hit-and-run incident has a history of criminal activity, including accusations of robbery and kidnapping, authorities have revealed.
Manuel Mendoza Jr. was taken into custody on May 23, more than a month after the tragic crash that claimed the life of Robert Bager, as per law enforcement officials.
The initial incident took place on April 20 when reports came in to the police about a pedestrian collision near the intersection of North Main Street and Foremaster Avenue. Witnesses reported that the pedestrian, later identified as Robert Bager, was motionless, and the driver of the vehicle involved had fled the scene, according to police reports.
Upon arrival at the scene, the attending officer attempted to provide aid and performed CPR on Bager. However, medical personnel later confirmed that Bager had succumbed to his injuries, as detailed in the police report.
Investigations at the scene indicated that Bager had been crossing Main Street outside of a designated crosswalk when the tragic incident occurred. Video footage and witness statements pointed to a white Chrysler Sebring convertible speeding down Main Street and turning onto Owens Avenue.
Subsequent developments revealed that Mendoza was a suspect in the hit-and-run and was also linked to a robbery case. Detectives discovered that the vehicle used in the alleged robbery was the same white Chrysler Sebring, which had a suspended registration and was registered to an individual in Los Angeles, California.
Further inquiries unveiled that the National Insurance Crime Bureau was looking into the vehicle due to reports of a suspicious fire, which had completely destroyed the car. The burnt vehicle had been towed at the request of the Henderson Police Department, and photos taken by the towing service showed damage consistent with a collision.
Henderson police reported receiving calls about smoke in the vicinity of Athens Avenue and North Orleans Street on April 21, leading them to the charred remains of the vehicle. A Nevada license plate found at the scene belonged to a different car, suggesting foul play. Investigators determined that the car had been deliberately set ablaze, indicating arson.
A search of DMV records for Mendoza revealed a past traffic citation for displaying false registration details. His criminal record included charges of robbery, burglary, and kidnapping. Additionally, there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest related to a failure to appear in court for a no-proof-of-insurance citation.
After locating Mendoza at his residence, police arrested him on the outstanding warrant. During questioning, Mendoza admitted to being on his way to meet friends at the Circus-Cirus casino on the night of the hit-and-run. He claimed that a person suddenly appeared in front of his vehicle, leading to the collision. Mendoza denied any involvement in setting the Chrysler on fire and professed ignorance about the incident.
Mendoza Jr. now faces charges of duty to stop at the scene of an accident with a fatality and destroying/concealing evidence. The investigation into the hit-and-run continues as authorities seek justice for Robert Bager’s untimely death..
1. Man accused deadly hit-and-run crash previously accused robbery
2. Man accused deadly hit-and-run crash previously accused kidnapping.
