Suspect in local kidnapping, assault located, arrested

By Doug Spoon, Editor

A Menifee woman who has been wanted by police for over a week was arrested today and booked on charges of kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, and two unrelated warrants.

Olga Mendez, 44, was identified as the suspect in an incident Dec. 18 in which a Temecula woman was attacked inside her car on a Winchester street and forced to drive to another location while being hit with a taser multiple times. After the victim crashed the vehicle, a bystander came to her aid and the suspect fled the scene.

The victim, who identified herself on social media as Erin Quinn, was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The Sheriff’s Office Perris Station Special Enforcement Team began the investigation.

Today, deputies located and arrested Mendez (left) in Paramount, Calif., according to a Sheriff’s Department news release. Quinn said that although the suspect was disguised in a blonde wig, she recognized her as her former house cleaner. Mendez is known to several women in the area who stated on social media that they have been approached by Mendez for help.

“[Mendez] has left our community feeling unsafe,” wrote one woman on Quinn’s Facebook page. “There is so much more to this woman's story than just this vicious incident. She has wronged many people in this valley. It is heartbreaking to hear the trail of hurt she has caused.”

Anyone who has information related to any illegal activities within the Perris Station’s area of operation should contact Sgt. Talbott at the Perris Station at 951-210-1000. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Deputy E. Lopez at the Perris Station at 951-210-1000.