Ogden, UT – An Ogden man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly shooting another man at a local bar last week. Carlos Manuel Mendez, 40, was charged on Monday in 2nd District Court with discharge of a firearm causing serious injury, possession of a firearm by a restricted person, illegal discharge of a firearm, and property damage. All charges are classified as felonies, with a habitual offender penalty enhancement added due to Mendez’s prior criminal history.
According to court documents, the incident unfolded Friday evening when Mendez entered a bar in Ogden and allegedly began staring at another man inside. Mendez then reportedly stepped outside, where he asked bar staff to turn off the security cameras. He remained outside, peering through the front window into the bar.
Moments later, Mendez allegedly opened the back door of the bar and fired two shots, striking the victim. The suspect then fled the scene, reportedly breaking through a wooden fence in the process. Authorities were able to locate Mendez at a nearby gas station, where he was arrested without further incident.
Mendez, who was on supervised federal release at the time of the shooting, faces serious charges that could result in significant prison time. Investigators believe the shooting was not a random act, though details regarding the motive remain unclear. The condition of the victim was not immediately available, as authorities continue their investigation into the case.
The charges against Mendez include several firearm-related offenses, as well as the alleged damage caused by his escape. Police are continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.