An officer caught up with Mendez as he was reportedly leaving one of those stores and gave chase. He crashed into the pole soon after, but when police ordered Mendez out of his SUV, they say he brought a gun with him.
"Fearing for their safety, all three of the officers discharged their weapons," said an officer with whom we spoke. "His injuries at this time are being described as non-life threatening injuries. He's at Ben Taub General Hospital being treated. He's gonna face a number of charges, a number of aggravated robbery charges."
Mendez, 28, is charged with aggravated robbery, felony evading and aggravated assault on a police officer. Other charges could be pending as the investigation continues. Mendez will be transferred to the Montgomery County Jail upon his release from the hospital.
