Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City, Kingman, Colorado City, Golden Valley, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley, Littlefield, Beaver Dam, Meadview, Chloride, Topock, Yucca
On the morning of Thursday, March 5, 2026, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) state trooper conducted a traffic stop on the driver of a pickup truck for speeding on State Route 95 north of Lake Havasu City. This enforcement action quickly escalated into a significant arrest that removed a wanted violent offender from the community.
During the stop, the front-seat passenger provided the trooper with a false name. When asked for additional identification, the individual became evasive and refused to provide his true identity. The trooper instructed the passenger to step out of the vehicle for further investigation, at which point the suspect began physically resisting. A struggle ensued, and the trooper deployed his Taser, safely subduing and detaining the suspect.
A fingerprint scan identified the suspect as 23-year-old Gilberto Mendez III, the subject of active parole warrants, including one for second-degree murder. Mendez was also wanted by the Bullhead City Police Department in connection with multiple shootings in Bullhead City.
“We thank the Arizona Department of Public Safety for their assistance in apprehending this violent suspect, who is believed to be connected to multiple shootings in Bullhead City over the past several months,” said Bullhead City Police Corporal Walter Morales. “This arrest is an important step in holding those responsible accountable and keeping our community safe.”
Mendez was ultimately booked into the Mohave County Jail on his warrants. He faces additional charges, including resisting arrest, aggravated assault on a first responder, and identity theft.
This incident highlights the critical role traffic enforcement plays in protecting Arizona’s communities. Thanks to the trooper’s vigilance and professionalism, a wanted violent offender is no longer in the community.
AZDPS remains committed to providing public safety through proactive enforcement and strong partnerships across the state.
Bullhead City, AZ – On March 8 at approximately 5:04 p.m., emergency crews were dispatched to the Walmart Supercenter in Bullhead City following reports of a fire. According to witnesses, a refrigerator in the produce section malfunctioned due to an electrical issue, sparking a small but intense blaze.
Store employees acted swiftly, evacuating customers and staff before the fire could spread. Firefighters arrived on scene within minutes, quickly bringing the fire under control and preventing further damage.
No injuries have been reported, and the cause is currently under investigation by local officials. In the meantime, the store has been temporarily closed while crews assess the extent of the damage and ensure the building is safe for reopening.
Stay tuned for further updates as more details become available.
BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. – The suspect wanted in connection with a shooting earlier this year has been taken into custody.
According to police, 23-year-old Gilberto “Gil” Mendez III was arrested this morning (March 5, 2026) by the Arizona Department of Public Safety during a traffic stop near Lake Havasu City. Mendez had been wanted on a temporary felony warrant for Attempted Homicide following a shooting in Bullhead City.
The investigation began on February 12, 2026, at about 5:20 a.m., when officers with the Bullhead City Police Department responded to a report of a weapons offense in the 700 block of River Gardens Drive.
When officers arrived, they rendered medical aid to a 33-year-old male who had been shot in both legs and suffered a graze wound to his arm.
Investigators say two masked, armed males entered the home, and an altercation occurred related to previous interactions between the individuals. During the confrontation, shots were fired, and the suspects fled the scene before police arrived.
The victim was transported to Western Arizona Regional Medical Center (WARMC) and was reported to be in stable condition.
Police say several other people were inside the home during the shooting, including four children, but no one else was injured.
Through further investigation, detectives identified Gilberto “Gil” Mendez III as the suspected shooter. Authorities previously stated Mendez was known to reside in both Bullhead City, AZ and Laughlin, NV, and was believed to be responsible for other recent shootings in the Bullhead City area.
He is now in custody as the investigation continues.
