A Mossyrock teen faces possible prison time after he allegedly stole a pistol at a party where attendees were shooting their guns.
Luis Chavez Mendez Jr., 19, is charged with one count of firearm theft, a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines. He made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday.
Deputy Prosecutor Brandi Archer requested a bail of $25,000 cash or bond, citing concerns for community safety and the allegation that Chavez Mendez was found with two firearms.
Defense attorney Rachael Tiller asked for an unsecured bond, citing Chavez Mendez’s youth and lack of criminal convictions. Tiller said the defendant’s mother and grandmother were present in the courtroom.
Judge Paul Strophy set bail at $5,000 cash or bond, noting both the defendant’s limited history and the potential safety risk that stealing a firearm can pose.
As part of his conditions of release, Chavez Mendez is prohibited from contacting the alleged victim or any witnesses.
According to a probable cause affidavit, a Lewis County sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of a stolen firearm in Mossyrock on Sept. 13 at about 2:15 a.m. The victim said he was following the Mazda occupied by the suspect.
The deputy pulled the Mazda over on Winston Creek Road and ordered the three occupants to step outside. Other deputies arrived to assist in their detainment, while the responding deputy spoke with the alleged victim, who was at the scene.
According to the affidavit, the man said he’d been at a party “where people were shooting their guns.” He said the suspect approached and asked if he could shoot the man’s gun.
The man gave the pistol to the suspect. After shooting, the suspect allegedly said, “Thanks bro,” before tucking the pistol into his waistband and running off.
The man said he saw the suspect get into the front passenger seat of the Mazda. He followed after it, calling dispatch while on the road.
“He said the vehicle pulled over at one point and a male got out and brandished a firearm that was different than his firearm,” the affidavit said.
The deputy spoke to Chavez Mendez, who had been sitting in the front passenger seat and reportedly fit the victim’s description of the suspect.
Chavez Mendez allegedly said he’d given the gun back after shooting it.
“He initially said the firearm was not in the vehicle but then stated it was possible the firearm was in the vehicle, but he was not sure,” the affidavit said.
Deputies spoke to the driver, who allegedly refused to answer any questions. The 18-year-old was ultimately investigated for a possible charge of driving under 21 after consuming alcohol — commonly referred to as minor DUI.
The other passenger said he was “just catching a ride with friends,” according to the affidavit.
The driver eventually allowed deputies to search the Mazda. They found two pistols under the front passenger seat. After obtaining a search warrant, the deputies recovered both firearms — one of which belonged to the victim. The other was loaded.
When questioned, Chavez Mendez allegedly said he took the victim’s gun “as a joke,” and was going to give it back, though he said he did not know the victim.
He said he found the other gun “at the railroad tracks,” according to the affidavit.
Chavez Mendez is scheduled for an arraignment on Thursday.
