David A. Mendez

David A. Mendez, 29, 2404 Stevens Ave., Elkhart, was arrested Thursday on a warrant for a Sept. 4, 2014, auto theft in Syracuse. The charge is a level 6 felony, which could carry a penalty of up to 2 1/2 years.

Charges were filed against Mendez, Jan. 21, stating he knowingly or intentionally took unauthorized control over a vehicle owned by Jamie VanLue, Syracuse.

The affidavit of probable cause states on Sept. 14, Syracuse Police Officer Joe Leach responded to a report of a stolen vehicle.

He spoke with VanLue who stated two individuals came to his home. One of those individuals had been at his residence before with a female. The pair told VanLue they were to meet with the female. After driving them to her home, VanLue went inside to find her. It was during that time Mendez and the other individual drove off in his 2013 Chrysler. One individual was identified as having a large Batman tattoo on his neck.

While the female was not at her residence, the sister identified the two individuals as James Wright and David Mendez. Photographs of the two were obtained for verification. The sister also told police Wright had contacted her, through Facebook before police came to her residence, and stated Mendez was the person who had the idea to steal the vehicle and had possession of the vehicle.

Later that evening VanLue’s vehicle was recovered in Elkhart County. The vehicle had sustained $1,211.76 in damages.

Two days later VanLue reported a burglary to his residence. He stated someone entered his kitchen window and removed a muzzleloader, tools, radio, prescription drugs, three flat screen televisions, iPod, smart phone, laptop and a credit card, all valued at $6,760.

VanLue was notified later that day that his credit card had been used at an Elkhart Speedway gas station, and Burger King. The card was declined when it was attempted to be used at Spencer’s Gifts. Wright was identified by clerks at two of the businesses who attempted to use or used the credit card.