Fugitive wanted in Burien shooting is 'extreme threat to community safety,' prosecutors say
Francisco Mendez-Zendejas aka "Paco"
BURIEN, Wash. -- Francisco Mendez-Zendejas aka "Paco" is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Pacific NW Fugitive Apprehension Task Force.
It was just before 10 pm on July 14th when a King County deputy driving down Ambaum Blvd SW in Burien saw a group of around ten people yelling and arguing near the walkway between the Buena Market and the Heights of Burien apartment complex.
He used his patrol car’s loudspeaker to order people to separate and calm down. That could have been the end of it but detectives say as the deputy drove away, he saw Francisco Mendez-Zendejas aka “Paco” point a handgun at a Honda and fire 10 to 13 times.
Despite being only 7 feet from the vehicle, neither of the people inside the car was hit.
Detectives say Mendez-Zendejas was angry because he lost a fight. He got away on foot that night and has now been charged with two counts of Assault In The Second Degree.
Mendez-Zendejas has a $250,000 warrant for his arrest and the U.S. Marshals Pacific NW Fugitive Apprehension Task Force is asking for the public’s help in locating him.
In court documents requesting the high bail amount, King County Prosecutors wrote, “The defendant was positively identified as the shooter. While it is fortunate that none of the victims were physically injured, the State is concerned the defendant will commit additional violent acts. The defendants’ actions in the case demonstrate that he is an extreme threat to community safety despite the fact he has no known criminal convictions.”
Francisco Mendez-Zendejas aka "Paco"
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to his arrest.
If you know where deputies can find him, call the hotline anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or go to crimestoppers.com to submit the information.
CLICK HERE for information on how to TEXT A TIP to Crime Stoppers.
Francisco Mendez-Zendejas aka "Paco"