26-03-2025
Oneida County Sheriffs searching for fugitive
ONEIDA COUNTY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — The Oneida County Sheriffs are asking for the public's help in finding a fugitive in a domestic violence case.
Joseph Mendoza is wanted by sheriffs on several charges stemming from two different arrests this year and last year.
In December of 2024, Sheriffs responded to a call for a domestic incident. Deputies attempted to apprehend Mendoza on charges from that incident. When police approached him, Mendoza led them on several chases. During one attempt to apprehend Mendoza, he nearly struck an Oneida County Sheriff with his vehicle.
In January, Sheriffs responded to a mental hygiene law complaint on claims that Mendoza was making suicidal statements to a family member. After several efforts to locate Mendoza, he was ultimately located and apprehended by several sheriffs. While they were attempting to take Mendoza into custody, he failed to comply with Sheriffs' commands. Eventually a stun gun was deployed, and Mendoza was taken into custody without further incident.
Mendoza had been released on his own recognizance after arraignment. He was initially charged with:
first-degree Criminal Contempt, a Class E Felony,
second-degree Criminal Contempt, a Class A Misdemeanor,
second-degree Aggravated Harassment, a Class A Misdemeanor,
fourth-degree Stalking, a Class B Misdemeanor,
second-degree Harassment, a Violation, and
an Aggravated Family Offense, a Class E Felony.
Sheriffs say that on Wednesday, March 26, Mendoza violated an order of protection during a physical domestic incident. According to sheriffs, Mendoza fled from the scene in a gray Subaru Forester toward the City of Rome.
Sheriffs are saying that the license plate number on the Subaru is LRH-7732, as shown in the above picture. If you see him, do not approach him and call the Oneida County Sheriff's Office at 315-736-0141 if you have any information.
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