At approximately 12:05 am, on May 20, 2023, a 76-year-old man died at a local hospital where he had been admitted on April 30, 2023, after the El Paso County Jail’s contracted medical staff sent the man to the hospital for treatment for a preexisting medical condition. 
 
Based on the serious health condition and age of the defendant, consideration was given to petition the courts for release from custody. However, based on the seriousness of his charges and the defendant’s continued aggressive behaviors towards deputies and nursing staff at the hospital, the Sheriff’s Office maintained custody and security to ensure the safety of all. During his care, the Sheriff’s Office maintained contact with the family and kept them up to date with the declining condition of their loved one. 

 The inmate has been identified as Rick Mendez.  We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Mendez's family and friends.

The deceased was booked into the El Paso County Jail on October 16, 2022, on the following charges:
o Second Degree Assault, Cause Injury with Deadly Weapon, FTA- Felony 4, Violent Crimes and weapons used, 2 Counts.
o Crimes Against at Risk Person, FTA- Felony 6
o Duty To Register, FTA- Felony 6
o Third Degree Assault, Reckless Causes Injury, FTA- Misdemeanor 1, 2 counts
o Violation of A Restraining Order, FTA- Misdemeanor 2, 4 counts
o False Imprisonment, FTA- Misdemeanor 2
o Menacing, FTA- Misdemeanor 3
o Harassment, Strike, shove, kick, FTA- Misdemeanor 3, 2 counts
o Careless Driving Without Injury, FTA- Traffic M
o Driving Under Restraint, FTA- Traffic 1
o And multiple other traffic violations, FTA
 
The Sheriff’s Office believes his death is a result of natural causes and we will make the final autopsy results known once received.