BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. – A Bullhead City teenager has been placed on probation for threatening an older teen with a machete on May 1. And no further jail time was ordered for Jayden Mendez, 17.
Mendez was 16 in the spring when Bullhead City police reported that he used the machete to threaten the victim at the skate park at Rotary Park on Balboa Drive. A police report stated that Mendez placed the edged portion of a long knife against the back of the victim’s neck, resulting in superficial abrasion.
Legal Defender Ron Gilleo conceded in July that his client displayed the weapon, but noted that Mendez denied the allegation that it touched the other teen’s neck. Mendez pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct involving a weapon.
Legal Defender’s Office colleague Mike Shin handled the sentencing hearing for Gilleo. He said the defendant’s youth and immaturity should be considered, and that Mendez is taking positive steps forward.
ìHe’s ready to learn how to control his impulses and anger,” Shin said.
ìWhen I get back to Bullhead, my plan is to get enrolled in Mohave Mental Health,” Mendez said. He told Mohave County Superior Court Judge Megan McCoy he wants to better himself going forward.
Prosecutor Jacob Cote said Intensive Probation is appropriate because Mendez did not do well on Juvenile Probation. ìHe probably needs the highest level of supervision possible,” Cote said.
Judge McCoy said everyone is better off if Mendez is engaged with treatment-oriented services, rather than just locking him up. She directed him to perform 150 hours of community work service while on probation.
