FORDHAM, Bronx (WABC) — The 18-year-old driver accused of ramming a stolen SUV into several NYPD officers during a confrontation in the Bronx was charged with attempted murder, police announced Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Jayden Mendoza faces multiple charges after investigators say he used a stolen silver Kia Sportage to strike officers who were attempting to stop the vehicle in the Fordham section Sunday evening.<\/p>\n
The incident began around 6 p.m. when police received a license plate reader alert indicating a stolen SUV with New Jersey plates had entered the area. Officers, assisted by the NYPD Aviation Unit, tracked the vehicle and surrounded it near 82 East Fordham Road.<\/p>\n
According to investigators, officers ordered the SUV’s occupants to get out of the vehicle, but Mendoza allegedly refused and instead drove the SUV back and forth, striking a sergeant and several other officers.<\/p>\n
Police say an officer climbed onto the hood of the SUV during the confrontation and fired a single shot, striking Mendoza in the arm.<\/p>\n
Mendoza was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was treated and remains in police custody.<\/p>\n
A second suspect, 20-year-old Angel Robles of the Bronx, was arrested Monday night and charged with criminal possession of a loaded firearm. Authorities have not said whether that weapon was directly connected to the stolen vehicle incident.<\/p>\n
Several officers suffered injuries and were transported to local hospitals. All have since been released, though one sergeant remained hospitalized overnight for observation. Police say everyone involved is expected to recover.<\/p>\n
Investigators are still searching for a third person who fled from the SUV before the confrontation escalated.<\/p>\n
The incident was captured on police body-worn cameras and remains under investigation.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Multiple NYPD officers struck by stolen vehicle, driver shot by police, officials say<\/a><\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n * Get Eyewitness News Delivered<\/a> <\/p>\n * More Manhattan news<\/a><\/p>\n * Send us a news tip<\/a><\/p>\n * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts<\/a> <\/p>\n * Follow us on YouTube<\/a> <\/p>\n
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