Update:
The Dallas Police Department has been in contact with our federal law enforcement partners regarding the shooting that resulted in the death of Enrique Mendoza. The department considers the incident bias motivated and has advised federal authorities as to the circumstances leading to this determination.
Update: Murder Identified as Crime of Bias
On December 24, 2015 at about 3:45 pm, Arrestee Anthony Torres 30 shot and killed Enrique Mendoza L/M 25, shot and critically injured a Middle Eastern male and grazed three other victims at Omar’s Tire Shop at 3760 S. Buckner Boulevard.
Torres drove up and asked to use the air to fill a tire. He then demanded to speak to a particular employee who was not there. Employees recognized Torres as having been involved in a disturbance with an employee of the tire shop a week prior and warned the owner of the tire shop that Torres might be dangerous. Torres then walked back to his vehicle, drew a handgun from his waistband and began shooting at the victims and witnesses. As Torres was getting back into his vehicle, he was shot by the business owner. He fled the scene and was later located at Baylor Hospital and arrested.
During the course of the investigation, Detectives received information that Torres made comments and specifically used the word “Muslim” as he was shooting. At the time of the offense, none of the witnesses could put the use of the word “Muslim” into context. Upon researching the reported disturbance involving Torres that occurred the week before, detectives discovered body-cam video from patrol officers where Torres claimed that he was both Jewish and Christian and indicated that he had a bias against Muslims. For these reasons, we are classifying the offenses as Bias Crimes.
Anthony Torres remains in the Dallas County Jail charged with 1 count of Murder and 1 count of Aggravated Assault. We expect to file additional charges related to this shooting as it becomes appropriate to do so.
Original Post: December 25, 2015 3:09 am
On December 24, 2015, at approximately 3:42 p.m., Anthony Paz Torres Latin Male 30 shot and killed Enrique Garcia-Mendoza Latin Male 25 at 3760 S. Buckner Boulevard. Torres was also shot at the location and transported himself to Baylor Hospital where he was placed under arrest by Dallas Police and admitted to the hospital for treatment for his injuries. Torres bond is set at $500,000.00. Please see the attached probable cause affidavit.