WACO -
Waco police confirmed on Monday that a man who received a hand injury during an officer involved shooting in late March was caused by a Waco police officer.
The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. in the 2000 block of Lyle Ave on March 18. Police were called to the home for a disturbance call.
When authorities arrived, 19-year-old Alexander Howard Mendoza was armed, and allegedly attempted to level a rifle at an officer in a threatening manner towards officers. He was shot in the stomach by police in self-defense.
Mendoza's grandfather, Tommy Gene Smith, had been struggling with Mendoza when the shot was fired. The grandfather had called police earlier when Mendoza had gotten into an argument with his girlfriend and locked her in a room.
Mendoza later broke through a closet door to gain access to the rifle where it was locked up, and the struggle over the rifle was underway when police arrived.
Smith underwent surgery for broken bones in his hand at Scott and White Hospital in Temple.
Mendoza received a minor injury, and he was moved to McLennan County Jail after he was treated. He faces attempted capital murder charges.
