Sad wrote on Feb 22, 2007 12:16 AM:I can't blame deputies. After all, they have children who would grief if they were shot, stabbed or killed by a man posing a lethal threat.

to much force wrote on Feb 22, 2007 12:51 AM:WoW any sheriff kills a latino man ...this is not good for vista. cant wait to hear how this was not to much force...lol I hope something is done about the brutal force. court justice or street !

larry wrote on Feb 22, 2007 1:08 AM:better training for police officers sounds like the answer to me. something america hasn't discovered yet.

Scott wrote on Feb 22, 2007 1:27 AM:"He "wasn't a fighter and he wasn't a criminal," Villarreal said. Well, he was that night. This is unfortunate for all involved.

Ray wrote on Feb 22, 2007 1:28 AM:Here we go again, another hispanic fails to achnowledge a lawful order given by a police officerand dies. I'll bet Tina and Claudia will make the most out of this incident. A simple rule, when an officer gives you a lawful order, obey it. The law is the law, there is no brown, black or white law, just pne law for everyone. Don't blame the taser, blame the individual.

sosorry wrote on Feb 22, 2007 2:18 AM:my heart goes out to the family so sorry for your loss... criminal or not no one needs to be treated like this the sheriffs are using tasers now, wow big change if they think that this is going to stop the killings they need to check themselfs on how much force they are using with it even if they went down to water guns i'm sure the vista sheriffs will find a way to cause some type of injury

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Feb 22, 2007 5:12 AM:This whole thing sounds totally reasonable to me. Here we have someone who obviously has a lengthy criminal record that needed to be taken down by law enforcement. He becomes violent and the deputies use the tazer and he dies. We don't want law enforcement to have a "touchy-feely" approach to dealing with criminals in our communities. I'm sorry Mendoza family, but your boy wasn't a very nice person. He may have been "familia" to you, but to us he's another criminal we want taken off our streets.

RWC wrote on Feb 22, 2007 5:58 AM:Taser Guns are barbaric and should not be used on human beings. What scares me is that America is beginning to behave as a police state such as Nazi Germany. America wake up before it is too late!

45 boy wrote on Feb 22, 2007 6:17 AM:It is obvious that the Sheriff Department lacks proper training and professionalism in dealing with the community. I have worked with 4 deputies and only one out of 4 displayed common sense and a real sense of responsibility to the community. The others loved to threaten arrest, committed adultery, and lied on a regular basis. They also felt like they were above the law. Their leadership obviously condones or creates that type of atmosphere. The Department should conduct a review of its personnel and make sure that they deploy them wisely. No one cares because it only affects minority residents. Wake up Sheriff’s, the community is watching.

Pat wrote on Feb 22, 2007 6:33 AM:Our police have a very difficult job and I don't think people will be happy until they are sued needlessly so many times that they are will be forced to resort to just leaving violent people and criminals on the street.

Jeff wrote on Feb 22, 2007 6:51 AM:Martin Mendoza sounds like a real peach of a guy. I can't imagine how this could have possibly happened to such a responsible, family oriented man who had only been prosecuted ten times for various crimes. At least NCT only solicited comments from family and friends this time, rather than seeking out opinions from uninvolved radicals.

esteban wrote on Feb 22, 2007 7:11 AM:Well...tragic end...but in NO WAY the fault of the cops. The daughter said that they should have taken him to the hospital instead....well, I'm sure that's what they were going to do, but you can't do that when the guy is fighting you can you? Either way, the cops are damned if you do and damned if you don't. Plus the fact he was Hispanic is gonna bring racists like Jillings and Flores out of the wood works.

Vista Granny wrote on Feb 22, 2007 7:14 AM:The Vista Sheriffs strike again.

LT wrote on Feb 22, 2007 7:16 AM:Those of us with indigenous features should learn from this: even calling the police for help makes us a suspect. Based on this assumption, if they hurt you or kill you it's your fault for calling for help. What do you expect from social institutions like law enforcement, Equality? Well, if you're not white good luck.

Randy wrote on Feb 22, 2007 7:54 AM:Would it have been too hard to toss a net over the guy, wrap him up and transport him to the hospital? That is where he needed to go. Now he is dead.

Blame the Sheriff's wrote on Feb 22, 2007 8:09 AM:Most of the Sheriff's I have met are a bunch of crazy loons. With barely a high school education, a lack of cultural understanding, and poor people skills. They act is if they are superior to others and frequently bully the population with force. It is time we citizens take control and demand a more educated and humane police force. And stop hiring ex-Iraq vets that have more psycho-social problems than the normal mental psych patient.

Ted wrote on Feb 22, 2007 8:17 AM:"Its use has been questioned in some instances, particularly on people who appear to be mentally unstable or under the influence of drugs." The reporter makes this statement then fails to back it up with any support or attribution whatsoever. Here is a classic example of slanted and biased 'journalism'

Citizen wrote on Feb 22, 2007 8:22 AM:I suggest watching the Movie, "Crash." You see all sides and realize we are all human, have our struggles and injustices. Playing the race card, and acting like ALL officers are ALWAYS right, is a vicious circle that gets us nowhere. I'm an American, some of you might want to call me a Mexican because of my color alone, and that's okay. I'm just sad our beautiful Country that offers freedom for all its citizens is growing weak. I like what JFK said, "Ask not what this Country can do for you, but what you can do for your Country." We ALL need room for improvement.

Response to 45Boy wrote on Feb 22, 2007 8:23 AM:What do you know about anything! The deputies did a great job! Maybe not the job you wanted. More training? Please! You need more training, but going back to school to get you high school diploma or GED!

ALF to RWC wrote on Feb 22, 2007 8:27 AM:I have a really good idea for you. Go out today and sign up for a week of ride-along in another jurisdiction, maybe Escondido or Oceanside. During that time, observe, do not grump, do not applaud, just observe and take notes. Once you have completed that week, think about what you saw, then look at your daily notes and then, finally, look at your 5:58 post. Ask yourself - Can I do what they did? Can I do it every day? How can I accomplish protecting everyone better?

kimberly wrote on Feb 22, 2007 8:32 AM:HEY NOW. ANOTHER MEXICAN EVERY ONE IS THINKING AGAIN.THE VISTA SHERIFFS ARE DOING EXACTLY WHAT THEYRE TRAIN TO DO AS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS,THEYRE NOT GONNA RISK THEIR LIVES OR OTHER INNOCENT CITIZENS THAT ARE NEARBY,WELL LETS FACE FACTS THE GUY CALLED FOR HELP SO THEY RESPONDED TO HIM.PROPERLY PLACED HIM IN PATROL CAR UNTILL HE STARTED HIS REACTIONS AND THEY HAD TO DO WHAT THEY FELT THEY COULD HAVE DONE.WHAT ELSE DO YOU EXPECT THEM TO DO LET HIM TEAR UP THE CAR AND HURT HIMSELF MORE OR LET HIM HIT ON THEM. HE DID IT TO HIM SELF MAYBE SOMEONE WAS AFTER HIM AT FIRST BEFORE HE CALLED FOR HELP.HIS FRIENDS SAY HE WAS PRETTY DRUNK.LETS BLAME HIS FRIENDS WHY DIDNT THEY TAKE THEIR BUDDY HOME FOR HIS SAFETY.NO THEY JUST LET HIM GO DRUNK WHEN THEY SPLITTED UP.NOW THAT WAS STUPID.TASERS ARE FUN AND YOU HAVE TO HIT 2 DARTS IN THE BODY FOR IT TO WORK AND ONLY ARE DANGEROUS FOR PEOPLE WITH HEART CONDITION/MEDICAL CONDITIONS,THEYRE NOT FUN FEELING THAT FOR SURE.IM SORRY FOR THE FAMILY ESPEACIALLY FOR HIS GRANDCHILDREN HE NEVER WILL MEET AND DAUGHTER HE HADNT SEEN SINCE SHE WAS 7 YRS.MY HEART REALLY TOUCHES ALL OF YOU TOO.I HOPE THE AUTOPSY WILL STATE WHAT HAD HAPPENED MAYBE HE FELL OR SOMEONE TRIED TO GET HIM AND THATS WHY HE WAS BLEEDING IN THE HEAD AND INJURYS TO BODY,HE CALLED FOR HELP SO LETS TAKE IT LIKE THAT AND CRIMMINAL BACKGROUNDS DOSENT DESERVE TO DIE AND OF COURSE YOULL HEAR RACISM BECAUSE MEXICAN ARE TARGETS.WELL WHAT IS THE PERCENTAGE OF WHITE/BLACKS ANDMEXICANS AT LEAST MEXICAN BY 75 PERCENT IS THE POPULATION HERE MAKE SENCE RIGHT LOOK AROUND YOU ALL YOU SEE IS MEXICANS LEGAL OR NOT,THATS ALL THERE IS MEXICANS MEXICANS HOMEBOYS GANGS TROUBLES WHAT DO YOU EXPECT AINT ENOUGH OF OTHER COLORS TO CHOOSE FROM EXCEPT MEXICANS

Alf to Vista Granny wrote on Feb 22, 2007 8:36 AM:Explain to everyone how to control an out-of-control person without using force. Next, the Sheriffs will use a net and that person will get hurt somehow and you will be writing the same thing again. You want the police to do their jobs, yet you criticize whatever they do. It would be interesting to see what would happen if these "they need better training" types had to do the job themselves.

Randy wrote on Feb 22, 2007 8:39 AM:The county Sheriffs are notoriously undertrained, thanks to Supervisor Bill Horn. Where is Horn when you need him?He's busy giving the state of the county address!

Juan wrote on Feb 22, 2007 9:05 AM:Cha-CHING!!! For his family!!

Alf wrote on Feb 22, 2007 9:12 AM:Wake up, "45 boy", go through the academy and then offer your opinion.

USMS wrote on Feb 22, 2007 9:27 AM:First off, the deputies had no knowledge of his previous criminal history, so that should not be a factor in the use of force. Second the officers did what they had to do with minimum force to the suspect.But it is unfortunate that Vista Sherff dept has a bad history of abuse. because we don't know if these were the bad apples or good ones who just got caught up by a accidental death.

misswhatnow wrote on Feb 22, 2007 9:29 AM:You people would have compalined just as loud if he were shot. Folks need to show respect for the authorities and follow their directions. They have enough latin speaking folks on the force so there should be no misunderstanding. If you are drunk or on drugs and don't understand, shame on you. You will suffer the consequences of your actions. Obey someone who carries a badge and gun.

Michelle wrote on Feb 22, 2007 9:48 AM:This is not a racial issue and I dont understand how the community can make it one a man died whether he was latino,black or white and that is plain wrong. Law enforcement need to come up with a practical resolution for those who resist arrest.

Gloria R. wrote on Feb 22, 2007 10:06 AM:The extent of this man's injuries will prove that excessive lethal force was used by these deputies. The description of his injuries in this article paint a very bad picture of the Sheriff's involved in this incident. Once again however they will be exonerated because they carry a badge. This is disgusting and I wish I had the courage that Tina Jillings, Claudia Smith and Bill Flores have to speak against these atrocities. I hope for once the truth will be told and justice will be rendered to these deputies to send out a clear message that we must enforce the law within the confines of the law.

Whiter the righter wrote on Feb 22, 2007 10:08 AM:The darker you are, the more guilty you are. If a white person calls for help, and appears mentally unstable when the cops arrive, are that person getting tasered? Nope. Face it, white deputies don't want to spend as less time as possible dealing with colored people whose lives they regard as less valuable than their own.

Tri City Medical Center... Nah-$-$-$-$ wrote on Feb 22, 2007 10:14 AM:instead go to the Tri City Healthcare Distrtict's Wellness Center in South Carlsbad. Heck - your life may depend on it!

Friend wrote on Feb 22, 2007 10:18 AM:He was such a hard working man and always had a big smile on his face.My Heart goes out to his family.R.I.P Martin.

We don't know yet... wrote on Feb 22, 2007 10:27 AM:what caused the man's death. He could have had a medical condition which caused him to act the way he did. His family states that his behavior was out of character for him. Why don't we just wait for the autopsy report before we speculate on how this man died!?

James wrote on Feb 22, 2007 10:28 AM:The guy was drunk and started acting violently...what would you have the deputies do if he continues to resist? I'm not sure what happend after that but it seems to me the drunk guy who start kicking the shield instigated everything...Before you start blaming cops I invite any open-minded citizens to go on a ride-along and see what it's really like. Sit in the back of the car and shut-up that's all you have to do. Get to the police station give necessary information, SHUT UP, and wait for your lawyer...THAT'S THE WAY IT'S SUPPOSED TO GO...AS SIMPLE AS THAT! No attitude, no violence, nobody gets hurt!

all for the cops wrote on Feb 22, 2007 10:33 AM:What a sad day for the family involved with this situation. Losing a family member is to hard no matter what the situation is. However, something else was going on with this man before the tasing occured. HE was combative, HE was kicking out the windows of a cop car. HE was the one out drinking. HE was the one who thought people was out to get him. HE was the one acting out of control. Using the taser to help get him under control was the right move after all HE had the choice to obey the orders given to him by law enforcement. HE decided to show disregard. HE is responsible for HIS own actions. HE was the one to put the bruises on his body, that is what happens when you thrash your body around in handcuffs. The easiest way to deal with getting tased...don't put yourself in that position. And do Juan, I am sure that is all is family is looking at. I am sure a lawyers has been called already. Great job VSD. At least you all went home safe and sounds.

Kim wrote on Feb 22, 2007 10:34 AM:The cops just can't win can they. They shoot somebody for trying to run them over and get blamed for that. Now, they taser a man who is uncontrollable, and they get blamed for that. It seems to me that the officers are in a losing battle when it comes to making the right decision in the eyes of the public. They seem to be trying their hardest and yet they are always met with criticism. Here's how I see it. If you don't give them cause to come after you, then you should be fine. It is being a RESPONSIBLE citizen that we should be pointing the finger at not at a cop who is doing the best job than can to protect us. At least this man was not let back on the road drunk to wipe out a whole family . . . maybe even yours!!!

To Michelle.. wrote on Feb 22, 2007 10:37 AM:Law enforcement doesn't need to come with with pratical resolutions for those who resist arrest. This is very simple there is right and wrong. Break the law and this is what can happen to you. COPS do not want confrontations, they don't want to get into fights. It the people that put them into this situation. Gee people it is not that hard to figure it out.

A Cop wrote on Feb 22, 2007 10:40 AM:It was the correct force for the situation. Tasers rarely kill those it is used on, but it can happen. If he would have been beaten by batons and fallen and hit his head, same out come. We just need people to obey the commands we give during contact with law enforcement, it's THAT SIMPLE. If you want to fight, as too much force has stated "street justice" we will react to each situation appropriately and that means we will escalate the use of force when needed and also de-escalate when it is appropriate. Your threats of street justice will only involve the criminal element.

Ken To Michelle wrote on Feb 22, 2007 10:50 AM:I am sure that law enforcement would be more than happy if someone came up with practical solution. They work with what they have. Given the tools and techniques that police agencies have today, how do you suggest that they stop a person from resisting arrest or harming themselves, harming others or property?

N. County Police Officer... wrote on Feb 22, 2007 10:58 AM:To Michelle....Law enforcment, businesses, and the community regularly come up with a "practical resolutions for those who resist." The development of less-lethal tehcniques and tools have evolved. Unfortunately no tool or technique is perfect. Combine them with alcohol and/or drug influenced offenders and results like those that happened in this case occur. As I have stated before in my blogs, go on ride-alongs with me or any other officer and see how challenging the job is every day. Furthermore, see how days and weeks of Moday morning quarterbacking make it more difficult than the inicident itself. My suggestion is if you do not have inside knowledge of the incident, the people involved, and all the factors related to it... hold your tongue, it prevents you from embarasing yourself in public. It also allows you to wait until the facts are published/released to form an EDUCATED opinion of a particular situation. Once educated then you or the community can suggest changes, if there are any, that do not endanger the community or the officers/deputies lives more than they already are.

Dream World wrote on Feb 22, 2007 11:01 AM:To those questioning the sheriffs actions, your living in a dream world and you will never ever understand unless your out there yourself conducting law enforcement. My heart goes out to the family of the deceased. The Sheriffs did nothing wrong.

Osider wrote on Feb 22, 2007 11:01 AM:Lets see, Martinez call the cops for help and ends up dead. They put in the back of the car to figure out whom is after him. Probably left him the car for a substantial amount of time and wondered what the hell he was doing there in the first place when he is the one who called them. So, he starts kicking out the back window and the cops try to subdue him with force. Why? He was already basically in custody by being placed in the back of the car. Let him kick it out and then subdue him with force and cuff him. Not drag him out, stun gun him and let him crack his head open and then stun him again. Did they forget that he called them in the first place? Another example of lack of training on how to handle situations in the field by our finest.

Pluto wrote on Feb 22, 2007 11:15 AM:This man was no threat. Cops often struggle to get people into police cars. This time they pulled him out so they could taser him - twice. Tasers are supposed to be non-lethal alternatives to guns. Would they have pulled him out so they could shoot him? Let's face it, Vista sheriffs are trigger-happy and out of control.

to Whiter the righter wrote on Feb 22, 2007 11:16 AM:Who are you going to blame if and when a local, whose skin color is what you want, becomes a cop and has to do the same thing?

Jeff to Gloria R. wrote on Feb 22, 2007 11:17 AM:You seem to have all the answers. The article falls far short of describing the guys injuries. All of those injuries are consistant with someone getting into a fight with the cops. He most likely had bleeding on the brain from an aneurism, or some other pre-existing condition, that was exacerbated by his actions and lifestyle. If you had any "courage", as you say, you would become a law enforcement officer and show everyone else the "right" way to do it. My guess is you wouldn't make it through the academy.

el tigre wrote on Feb 22, 2007 11:26 AM:Maybe this incident was not racially motivated, but it certainly smells fishy. There are a lot of other things I think the deputies could have done, but maybe because he was brown they do not even think of those things, they just want to go straight to "Z" no letters in between. For one how about the Sheriff getting a paddywagon for situations like these?

Were YOU there? wrote on Feb 22, 2007 11:54 AM:Everyone is so quick to judge. My question to those bashing the Sheriff's Dept (including the daughter of Senor Mendoza): were YOU there to see how violent or instable this man was being? Maybe, just maybe, he made those bruises himself by thrashing around. My question to those who think they know how to properly wrangle up criminals - if we took away all of your defenses, how exactly WOULD you be able to arrest someone with your hands tied behind your back? Good luck keeping our community safe! Seems you know how to do it... maybe you should try out. As someone pointed out, all you need is a high school education.

Sean wrote on Feb 22, 2007 12:01 PM:Hey liberal people! You're reading a news article: none of you knew this guy, were present during his 911 call, witnessed the subsequent arrest, have knowledge if he was high on drugs or not, (the medical examiners will conclude that for you), are tactically trained as police officers, know the law and, it appears finally, should even have and opinion. Why all the law enforcement bashing? Get back to your couches, open another bag of Cheetos and watch Cops...there, your opinion will really matter! To the intelligent, conservative crowd: let’s keep laughing at our idiot counterparts!

Don't know the full story but wrote on Feb 22, 2007 12:04 PM:I think everyone needs to take the chip off the shoulder. Cops, the public, everyone's a tough guy. If cops and the public could treat each other with a touch of respect.. on both sides maybe "misunderstandings" like these won't happen. I don't agree with the mindless "obey anyone with a badge" syndrome some of you suffer from. I will obey within reason. I'm not going to go with someone just because they flash a badge at me. I don't know them and I'm looking out for my safety. That being said, I'm not going to provoke the situation either. I am sorry this happened to this man, regardless to this past criminal history, if he felt he needed help, help should have been rendered just like any other citizen. If I should ever call for help and I'm in a distressed mental state, I'd hope help would be rendered and I wouldn't end up dead. The more I think about this the more I wonder why he was tasered instead of being taken to county mental health or the hospital? Some of the posters have has mentioned that the cops could have shot him and that they showed great restraint, well, why should he have been shot instead? Meaning, would that be the normal course of action taken by the police in other situations like this one regardless of race? I'm curious because it seems a bit heavy handed to me. In my mind I see call for help = death. Doesn't sit well.

jc wrote on Feb 22, 2007 12:21 PM:Hey Osider...pull your head out your backside. The reason he was put in the back of the car is because the deputies suspected he was high. Do a little research on the internet on methamphetamine and excited delirium. Heavy use of methamphetamine, especially when combined with alcohol, can produce paranoia "they're out to get me". Second, excited delerium is when there is either a drug induced state, or some type of psychotic break that causes the body to dump HUGE amounts of adrenaline into the system. Also, if you have any practical suggestions for some type of tool that instantly gets people to cooperate, we're all ears. And to el tigre...a paddywagon? So, he could fight with other people in the back of the paddywagon first before fighting with the deputies? Dealing with one person who is acting violent and irrational, whether from illegal drugs or just a psychotic imbalance, is difficult enough. A paddywagon full of other arrestees would only compound the problem.

No crime wrote on Feb 22, 2007 12:28 PM:He hadn't even committed any crime.

Skip wrote on Feb 22, 2007 12:46 PM:I could have sworn that our deputies were trained in the Vulcan Nerve Pinch. All they had to do was walk up behind him and give the pinch, and then gently guide him to the ground.

Pro wrote on Feb 22, 2007 12:47 PM:I guess you liberals what a bunch of social workers in stead of cops, unless the SHTF then you want rambo. Sorry you can't have it both ways. What Sean said plus one!

esteban wrote on Feb 22, 2007 12:50 PM:To Osider...what would have been different had they let him kick out the window? They still had to remove him from the car and cuff him. Are you that dumb? Also all you people who think you have the solution or think you know what "should" have been done, really don't know a dang thing. You sound like imbeciles.

Listen up wrote on Feb 22, 2007 1:01 PM:I am so tired of hearing how the police are at fault everytime a latino gets killed. Cry me a river for them. If they would obey our laws and listen to the police they would be in jail now instead of being dead. And to the people who think its all about race, get a life!

Taser Guy wrote on Feb 22, 2007 1:03 PM:Taser's have saved countless lives and injuries to both suspects and police. Many incidents would result in deadly force if these tools were not available. Almost every officer that carries a Taser has had it used on him/her during their training, and none of them die. Of course they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Let's wait for the autoposy report to make conclusions.

JayZ wrote on Feb 22, 2007 1:07 PM:Liberalism truly is a mental disorder. There wasn't this much outcry for Dan Bessant when he was shot dead on duty by two deranged youth. This is disgusting. You liberals need to wake up and stop biting the hand that protects you.

To Taser Guy wrote on Feb 22, 2007 1:22 PM:Thank you for reminding us that all officers trained to carry a taser know how it feels. Seems everyone around here wants a world full of criminals and psychopaths walking free.

Sean wrote on Feb 22, 2007 2:10 PM:Here's another interesting issue to spew back at the frail, liberal, police bashing, tree-hugging, illegal-alien-butt-kissing crowd: your collective tax dollars aren't consideration enough to train one officer "your way" should an exodus from "real" police training subside. What? You don?t understand the analogy? Translated for you: education + motivation + contribution = productivity. Mathematically speaking you're unproductive, therefore banned from opinion.

Bob wrote on Feb 22, 2007 2:11 PM:What were the officers suppose to do? Wait until this documented criminal tried to kill them before taking action?! If it were me I would have skipped the taser and reached for my Glock.

Osider wrote on Feb 22, 2007 2:18 PM:To JC Penny/Estajauna-This is so funny because I post this just to see what type of idiots would respond and how. You guys fit the typical MO. Nothing better to do. Get a job why dont ya!

Gloria R. wrote on Feb 22, 2007 2:20 PM:To Jeff I guess it is a good thing your girlfriend Christie didn't call the cops on you on Super Sunday huh? I saw you on the news and you looked pretty faded and if they would have gone to your home this could have been you. Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

esteban wrote on Feb 22, 2007 2:24 PM:Also, many dufus' like to say, "He should have been taken to a mental hospital...!" No duh....I'm sure that's where the cops were gonna take him. BUT...you have to detain him first!!! How can you get someone help if they are trying to assault you or are acting like a maniac!!?!?!!?!? HUH??! Answer me that one Oside and Don't know the full story!!!!!!

Che's Lounge wrote on Feb 22, 2007 2:48 PM:Since when did a stun gun get reclassified from a non-lethal weapon to a "less-lethal" weapon? And is a car worth more than a man's life? He would have tired out soon enough.

Jeff to Gloria R. wrote on Feb 22, 2007 2:56 PM:I don't have a girlfriend named Christie, I was not on the news, and if a cop showed up at my "glass" house I would not kick out their car windows or fight with them. Your not making much sense.

Sadly wrote on Feb 22, 2007 3:00 PM:Many of you just don't care for Hispanics.

To "No Crime" wrote on Feb 22, 2007 3:00 PM:Public Intoxication is against the law. And if "they" weren't really out to get him, making a false call to 911 can also get one in trouble. I would love to see what the other 10 criminal charges were...probably DUI...DUI...maybe some drunken spousal abuse (thus the divorce and estrangement from kids.) I'm just glad this guy wasn't out driving around, then some TRULY INNOCENT may have been killed.

justified wrote on Feb 22, 2007 3:02 PM:Here comes the aclu like a pack of hungry dogs feeding on a bone. If this was a white person the aclu wouldn't care a lick, but its a hispanic that was doing something to cause the cops to respond and do there jobs, they did do there job and sorry the man died but he put him self in that position to begin with. Wheres the aclu when you want a response about the 5 time drunk driving illegal aliean loser that killed that young american girl in a head on accident, nowhere to be found. He hit her and than fled the scene while she laid there dying, what a loser. I'm happy to see that he will be in prison for most of his life, thats even a light sentence, death for death, he should have been put the death but this will make him suffer for 21 years to life. aclu are you listening, these are the monsters you protect, wake up.

Cletus wrote on Feb 22, 2007 3:03 PM:Right on, Deputies! Score another one for our side! Keep up the good work!

Dave S. wrote on Feb 22, 2007 5:23 PM:Once again, another unfortuante incident brings out the cop bashers en mass. Funny how they never miss the opportunity to blast law enforcement officers for doing their job. Truth is, in the north county alone, peace officers handle thousands of these incidents every year and in most cases the person is treated without generating a news worthy story. When a person has overused their substance of choice they generally end up in jail, where they safely sober up. In instances when someone needs medical or psychological care, they ensure they get it. To those who cannot understand how this could happen; "He was simply calling for help?" I can't tell you how many times I have responded to a call from someone who happens to be intoxicated, generally methamphetamine or alcohol. As to those who call the deputies undertrained, undereducated thugs. What an ignornant assertion. The State of California mandates peace officer training statewide and we have the highest standards in the nation. Deputy Sheriff's in this county are amongst the most highly trained officers anywhere. Speaking to education, I graduated from SDSU with honors and I have worked alongside many other deputies/officers with masters degrees, juris doctrates even PHD's. You may have noticed, some of the most well thought out comments on this blog are by the cops. Well, there goes the "bunch of dummies" argument. To the writers who cry out for Bill Flores' ivolvement. I find it odd he is so critical of Sheriff's Department, yet prior to his retirement, when he was the #3 guy on the department, he didn't effect the changes he now so often demands. If he truly regards the department as being overrun with racism and other such issues, how tragic he waited until retirement to address it. Like too many others, he offers criticism with no real solutions. Unfortuantely, the world is not a safe place and policing is a dangerous business. It is unavoidable, people will continue to occaisionally get hurt and as sad as it may be, some will die. We mitigate these incidents as best we can, hence the widespread use of less lethal tools. My heart goes out to the family in this case. I know it must be hard to understand why this happened. I am confident, however, that the result of this incident was precipitated by the actions of your loved one. As difficult as it may be to accept, he was a suspect, not a victim.

Well Put! wrote on Feb 22, 2007 5:44 PM:Everyone, DAVE S. comment's are the real world. Read and heed. I also know Bill Flores and the comments are right!

Pro-Cop wrote on Feb 22, 2007 5:53 PM:Vista Sheriffs, you did what you had to do... don't let the turkeys get you down.

Scott wrote on Feb 22, 2007 6:59 PM:Once again we have the ignorant masses spouting off. It's scary that so many who post on this and similar law enforcement articles are willing to put their strong words to print without the full story. Do you really think the NCT is giving you all you need to make an informed opinion on any of these issues? It's easy for most of you simpletons to sit there and read this fish wrapper publication with no critical thinking capability whatsoever and make your Monday morning quaterback calls like you actually have a clue. But NOT ONE of you sheep would dare take a free ride-along with any law enforcement agency to actualy learn something...learn anything. There are comments in here about the TASER being "barbaric." Really? And you have this opinion based on your training and experience? I thought not. The deputies are unprofessional? Really? Who are these guys? What did they do or not do? In what capacity did you work with them when you formed this opinion? Thanks Vista Granny for your educated insightful comment, "Vista sheriffs strike again." We are all glad you could inject your wisdom into the discussion. What about excessive lethal force? That's another good one. What lethal force? The TASER is not considered to be lethal. This observation is based on studies by medical professionals (qualified physicians) in controlled settings. Thousands upon thousands of cases. People sometimes perished as a result of what is called excited delerium unrelated to the use of the TASER. But you knew that before you took to your keyboard I'm sure. And, of course, the Vista deputies have a bad history of abuse. Yeah, I guess you might form that opinion if the NCT is where you get your "facts." Thankfully, there were a few comments that reflected an intelligent, informed person sitting behind a keyboard. To those folks, thanks for your input. It helps offset the regular stench after an article like this one.

Vista resident wrote on Feb 22, 2007 7:23 PM:Alf, in about 5 years you might actually graduate from high school. Until then, grow up! As for the Vista sheriffs, they are a bunch of bullies who think they are better than the rest.

Amused by Scott wrote on Feb 22, 2007 7:45 PM:GEE Scott so do you feel better now that you schooled all the less intelegent people?

45 boy wrote on Feb 22, 2007 8:00 PM:For the people that attacked my opinion, I would like to mention that I do have a High School diploma and I also have MPA, if you know what that is. I've also served in the USMC for 8 years, so the police academy would be a vacation. I admire and respect good police when I see them. Vista Sheriffs have an obvious problem. Escondido Police have used non-lethal weapons for years and they have a larger area to cover. Before you comment, have knowledge of the topic. Try looking up community oriented policing. The deputies that do not welcome training are the ones that need it most. I also know that training is a critical part of the job. You have to know the community, respect, and understand the people you serve. When they do that, they will be able approach things from a different perspective.

END TIMES wrote on Feb 22, 2007 8:15 PM:Is it really all that bad when these things happen? NO, just another day on a planet that is filled with EVIL...It all started when Eve ate from the tree of knowledge in the Garden Of Eden. Folks I'm here to tell you, believe it or not THE WORST IS YET TO COME!!!!

Jerimiah wrote on Feb 22, 2007 8:35 PM:The last thing any peace officer wants is to have someone die because of his or her actions. The officer and any others present are immediately put on administrative leave. This leaves the rest of the department short handed. The paperwork by all levels of the department means that instead of patrolling or supervising, the officers and their superiors are writing reports, talking with the District Attorney and answering questions from the news media. It seems odd that whenever anyone is killed by an officer, that the family comes out and states what a good person or good student he was, when in fact the person usually has a long police record already.

to END TIMES wrote on Feb 22, 2007 8:36 PM:The worst is still to come? Yes, it will and then it will be wonderful after that!! Thanks for the reminder.

To Randy wrote on Feb 22, 2007 9:50 PM:Randy, where do you think we live Gotham City? Have you ever had to fight with someone who wants to kill you? Would you place a net over yourself if someone was going to kill you? Maybe we should work on getting the Sheriff's Department to start issuing hands that throw flames and x-ray vision. This isn't Marvel comics or the Fantastic 4 you idiot!

El Roberto wrote on Feb 22, 2007 9:52 PM:Hey Scott quit confusing the minions with facts. They all have solutions like Skips Vulcan squeeze.

Scott wrote on Feb 22, 2007 10:30 PM:To the fine nameless sole that found amusement in my post, I feel fine. Thank you. Now check your spelling. The correct spelling is "Intelligent." Helping the masses...one blog entry at a time. Thanks El Roberto. I think I've got it now.

to 45 boy wrote on Feb 23, 2007 1:57 AM:lol Escondido Police serve a poulation of 145,000 people. The Sheriff's Department serves about 900,000 people. No police department uses non-lethal weapons they are less lethal. The Sheriff's department has used less lethal weapons for years and is still one of the few to employ the pepperball gun. They just recently added the taser. So most deputies carry three different less lethal weapons. If you'd like to know what community oriented policing is all about just ask i'll fill you in!!!

Heather wrote on Feb 23, 2007 10:45 AM:You know, this doesn't surprise me because oceanside and vista police are VERY agressive!!! I understand that their job consists of them dealing with out of control people and what not. however, at the same time they seem to treat EVERYONE as though they are criminals & don't deal with each situation properly. I was ripped out of my car by a vista cop one night (late night) when pulled over (for reasons still unknown) slammed against my car and searched by a male officer, who then ransacked my car and let me go after accusing me of being on drugs. Though there was nothing in my car or on me that would give anyone that indication. I guess it was to late for a grown women to be out unless she did drugs...who knows. Something seriously needs to be done about the way cops treat people!!!!!

stunnedmom wrote on Feb 23, 2007 11:18 AM:Hopefully there will be some regulations for Tasers (like in Houston) due to the lethal and injury problems. In December 2006 my daughter was tasered by a Carlsbad Police officer because he lost control. She was neither threatening or drunk or on drugs and had no weapons. She is an awesome, beautiful and upstanding Carlsbad business woman. The officer threw her to the ground and tasered the heck out of her (3 times) because she made a snide comment when he would not help her when asked. He tasered her once in the back with his knee holding her to the ground face down. Then he flipped her over and tasered twice near reproductive organ area. He obviously hates women and does not consider a possible pregnancy of a 28 year old woman. He sank to the level of an out of control child and just plain lost it. Then the officer made bold faced lies in the police report obviously trying to save his job. Hopefully "under oath" will mean something to him when he testifies. Luckily there were many "shocked" witnesses to this tasering "free for all". My daughter weighs at most 155 pounds. Her heart rate raced for more than two hours at the ER. The next week she became very ill for quite some time. Don't officers care that Taser guns can be lethal? Why isn't this guy on admin leave until this is investigated? Tasers have caused death not only to the taser victim but to miscarried babies as well (though Taser companies just call it a coincidence).

stunnedmom wrote on Feb 23, 2007 11:40 AM:Not 155 pounds! Oooops, my daughter weighs no more than 115 pounds! She is tiny.

To stunned mom wrote on Feb 23, 2007 11:45 AM:I am so sorry you and your daughter had to experience this horrible incident. It is true that some policemen loose control of their senses and begin to do senseless, out of control policing. It becomes a vendetta for them instead of good clean arrest. I am glad that you had witnesses to this horrible scene. Unfortunately most police departments do not have regulations on taser use and that is what makes them so dangerous. Taser don't kill the ones using them do!!

To Scott wrote on Feb 23, 2007 12:48 PM:Gee it is a great thing that we have a self-appointed spelling and punctuation critic. Please stop so we do not lose the seriousness of this issue. A man lost his life at the hands of those hired to protect and serve!!! Please stop the meaningless diatribe about spelling and grammer and stay focused on the issue.

Jessica wrote on Feb 24, 2007 6:13 AM:This was one my relatives, a hardworking, friendly and caring individual. He would taken time out to help anyone in need and had a great sence of humor. Yes, there might have been blemishes in his past, but he did not deserve to be treated inhumanly and die. I don't see this as a race issue, as some people would like to make it. I see it as a lack of common sence and proper training in restraint techniques by police. When police officers pick up an impaired, they should have the appropriate skills to deal with the person being taken into custody. For our families peace of mind, I hope that a full investigation is performed so that another family will not have to endure we're going through.

stunnedmom wrote on Feb 24, 2007 8:55 AM:I don’t see this as a race issue either unless blond, blue eyed female is a race. If an officer cannot subdue Barbie, he really should not be in such a job. Then all the way to the Emergency Room, he is telling my daughter about the stronger barbs or something that he could have and would have like to have used on her. All while her heart is racing out of control. This guy is sick! AND still on duty! This is costing a lot for attorney but I am proud that my daughter feels it is worth it to be heard and remedy this lethal problem. The snide remark that almost cost my daughter her life was that she called the officer a “moron” when he just stood there and would not assist her in a confrontation. She had just asked him something about a law. Like she had a magic wand, as soon as she muttered that he was a moron, he became one! Definition of moron is: Having a mental age of from 7 to 12 years AND a person deficient in judgment and good sense. POOF, he became a moron and attacked my daughter from behind as she walked off. Being jumped by a 200 pound man and thrown to the ground is what he called “resisting arrest”. She was not sure who or what was on her back. Drug test came back clean (she is a healthnut never a drug user). He also added “drunk in public” but made sure to cancel the alcohol test my daughter ordered at the ER because he had to have known she was not drunk and wanted no proof. The ER doctor knew she was not drunk and amazed at the situation. Oh, and trespassing….she was a patron at a restaurant! I suspect the officer was a friend of the goon my daughter was having a problem with. She just wanted to use the bathroom at the establishment of which she was a patron on the outside patio! She asked the officer if restaurants were not required to provide bathroom facilities to patrons. That is where he just stood speechless. Such a crime to nearly loose your life over! I know it is not nice to call an officer a moron, but in this case maybe finding an officer that loses control will be to the benefit of the public.

esteban wrote on Feb 24, 2007 9:42 AM:Stunnedmom...I would bet my life that your account of what happened to your daughter was not even close to what really happened. When the court proceedings are over, and the officers are exonerated because they lawfully used reasonable force on your daughter, and her account as to what happened is exposed for being a pack of lies, will you get back to us and tell us the truth? Thank you.

I am sorry Jessica wrote on Feb 24, 2007 9:47 AM:I am sorry a life has ended but he may have been nice to you but as to society he was not. I am sorry to say my son is an alcoholic. He is the most compassionate person when sober but when he is drunk he is the biggest jerk. The couple times he has been stopped by the Sheriff's he knows he needs to keep his mouth shut. He is looking for a fight but knows law enforcement if off limits. Kicking windows while in cuffs is not normal. What do you think Sheriffs should do. We have a lot of people saying what should not be done but until you are in that situation we are clueless. As always there are 2 sides of a story. As family members we always need to remember are relatives are not perfect. We know they may not be dangerous but the police do not know and they need to make quick decisions.

stunnedmom wrote on Feb 24, 2007 9:48 AM:I don’t see this as a race issue either unless blond, blue eyed female is a race. If an officer cannot subdue Barbie, he really should not be in such a job. Then all the way to the Emergency Room, he is telling my daughter about the stronger barbs or something that he could have and would have like to have used on her. All while her heart is racing out of control. This guy is sick! AND still on duty! This is costing a lot for attorney but I am proud that my daughter feels it is worth it to be heard and remedy this lethal problem. The snide remark that almost cost my daughter her life was that she called the officer a “moron” when he just stood there and would not assist her in a confrontation. She had just asked him something about a law. Like she had a magic wand, as soon as she muttered that he was a moron, he became one! Definition of moron is: Having a mental age of from 7 to 12 years AND a person deficient in judgment and good sense. POOF, he became a moron and attacked my daughter from behind as she walked off. Being jumped by a 200 pound man and thrown to the ground is what he called “resisting arrest”. She was not sure who or what was on her back. Drug test came back clean (she is a healthnut never a drug user). He also added “drunk in public” but made sure to cancel the alcohol test my daughter ordered at the ER because he had to have known she was not drunk and wanted no proof. The ER doctor knew she was not drunk and amazed at the situation. Oh, and trespassing….she was a patron at a restaurant! I suspect the officer was a friend of the goon my daughter was having a problem with. She just wanted to use the bathroom at the establishment of which she was a patron on the outside patio! She asked the officer if restaurants were not required to provide bathroom facilities to patrons. That is where he just stood speechless. Such a crime to nearly loose your life over! I know it is not nice to call an officer a moron, but in this case maybe finding an officer that loses control will be to the benefit of the public.

Alf wrote on Feb 24, 2007 11:08 AM:I find it curious that "Vista resident" makes the choice to insult a 52 year old man who makes a challenge. The challenge I made was for the "arm-chair police" to learn all that is taught to police, go on patrol and explain how you would restrain an out of control large adult male. I have seen accusations and insults, what I have not seen is someone say, 'Hey, I've got this new (device, technique), let's see if this will work'. If you have no better thing to do than criticize and insult without offering a solution, you are not even as good as the person that you criticize.

To Stunned Mom wrote on Feb 24, 2007 11:41 AM:Why was she charged with: Drunk in Public, Trespassing and Resisting Arrest? What was the outcome? Did she go to court? If she was not drunk it would show on her blood test? There are always two sides!

stunnedmom wrote on Feb 24, 2007 12:49 PM:We are trying to figure out why she was charged with anything and arrested at all. Seems that taser action must be justified so at that point an arrest had to be made for the officer to save face and job. Proceedings have started. It was weird how first court date they were ready to usher her into what they had decided she could plead to on lesser charge. She was shocked that was normal protocol BUT she ONLY wanted to plead not guilty. She always has been strong and stands up for “right”. Then they told her she could not plead “not guilty” without a lawyer. (is that really true?) ANDshe made too much money for court appointed attorney. Still wanted her to plead to lesser charge. So she got a lawyer. They threw out all but one charge by now, as they need the rest of witness’s accounts, which were not all in at that time. When she knew officer was going to charge with drunk in public she ordered an alcohol test in ER. It shows on the record that "someone" canceled the test. Hmmmm, the only person with her was the officer. I am actually surprised they allow a male officer to transport a female to the hospital. That cancellation of test was being investigated but the charge was dropped. Not much interest to news in just tasering Barbie.

Memo23 wrote on Feb 24, 2007 12:53 PM:To StunnedMom--Were you a witness to the incident with your daughter? Or is that the story she told you?? It sounds like your version of the incident is kind of like reading the NCT---The "one-sided" and "doctored" version!

stunnedmom wrote on Feb 24, 2007 5:17 PM:Yes, it sounds unbelievable but it will be finished soon and public record. Very scary. (Do you remember "A Clockwork Orange" when the guy looks up to find the policemen holding him to the ground were the very thugs he used to run with. That was 1971 movie.) I was not there only taking witness and daughter accounts. One of her finest qualities is that she is not a liar and probably would not start at 28 to change her foundation. There were MANY witnesses and I believe that will all be public record. Believer or disbeliever that is up to you but research the facts and question authority as it is not as you would hope in fantasy. There are some genuinely good officers and there are bad people that become officers. They need to be weeded out. That is all from me signing off as I have no more information at this time.

To Jessica and Stunned Mom wrote on Feb 25, 2007 6:25 AM:Jessica I how nice of you to say that you do not think this is a race issue! I hope you are not holding your breath for a full investigation into this incident. This is commonplace in Vista. There are many families before you and many families after you who have endured and will be forced to endure the pain of losing a loved one at the hands of the Vista Sheriff's Deputies. So please don't hold your breath. It will not happen and the killing by those hired to protect and serve will continue. It is a fact that when Vista Sheriff's meet up with a Latino or Latina in Vista they shot first and ask questions later. To stunned mom I am sorry for what happened to your daughter. I am sorry that all these people are questioning your version of the story. I know that law enforcement start to spin their story way before the encounter even happens they are alway prepared with the lies to protect themselves and each other. I am also sorry that you feel your daughters story did not get out in the media because she is "Barbie" I think it did not get out in the media because she is still alive aren't you glad about that? Stay strong for your daughter and please do not mix race into this we have enough of that already. I know her incident happened in Carlsbad just be glad that she isn't brown and living in Vista or the situation would be very different.

El Roberto wrote on Feb 25, 2007 7:27 AM:If your encounter with corrupt law enforcement is true...your distrust will last a lifetime. Anyone who has been railroaded, lied about, falsely charged knows this. Its best to move on as the masses of morons simply don't care and don't comprehend.

Taser and Tri-City Medical Center wrote on Feb 25, 2007 7:32 AM:Wondering if there were any "care" issues that took place after being admitted to Tri City? Could it be the quality of care may have had an impact on Mendoza's death than the actual taser event? The Joint Commission (JCAHO-for quality issues) and the Dept. of Health Services License & Certification (investigate regulatory violations)should be informed, contacted, and requested to investigate the death of Mendoza's taser event after Tri-City admission!

Jaguar wrote on Mar 2, 2007 10:56 PM:Unnecessary, unjust, out of control, and murder. These are the things that come to my mind when I read this story. The Police have a job and that is to protect citizens. Part of their training should teach them restraint. The story isn't clear, but the man was apprehended; put in the back of the police car then became violent. The officers took him out of the car and tasered him. Intoxicated people do strange violent things. Do these officers not have the ability to handle one drunk man without killing him. I disagree with the people who constantly side with the police. They have families blah blah blah! Seems they use unneccessary brute force more often than not. When are people going to stand up and demand change? The Police in general are becoming to militaristic and draconian. They have lost sight of their purpose, to protect and serve. Not shoot and use lethal force if they have the slightest inkling that they may get injured. Whos going to police the police? Down with the Vista Sherifs

Buck wrote on Nov 19, 2007 10:05 AM:I was tasered by an abusive ... deputy on Sept. 7, 2006 after his partner had thrown me to the ground, multiple 5-second shock cycles until I was just about unconscious. In order to cover up their "abuse of police powers" they charged me with "resisting public officers". When we went to trial on December 13, 2006 both deputies lied about the incident and refused to bring the taser data port information to court and the photo taken of where the taser darts went into my back right behind my heart. When I was checked by the nurse at the Sheriff's Department about two hours later, my heart was racing at 120 beats per minute and my blood pressure was spiking at 200 mm of mercury and was off the scale. Tasers are lethal because of the 50,000 volts and 0.0021 amps applied at 20 pulses per second plus duration of shock treatment from a taser - a person being tasered by two deputies tasers at the same time is certainly lethal - 100,000 volts at 0.0042 amps at 40 pulses per second. I am a 66 year old retired college professor pH.D in Biochemistry-Biophysics, USMC Vietnam Veteran 1960-66 and if I had not weighed 270 pounds at the time I was tasered, I would most certainly be another victim of Police Brutality - Death by Taser.