Two local police officers are recuperating after a knife-wielding suspect threw ammonia at them when they responded to several calls about possible domestic violence at an Eastbluff apartment over the weekend, according to authorities.
Newport Beach Police Department dispatch center received several 911 calls Sunday afternoon from neighbors in the 800 block of Amigos Way, authorities explained in a NBPD press release.
“Callers reported hearing what sounded like a domestic dispute between residents in an apartment,” NBPD Lieutenant Tom Fischbacher explained in the message.
Police responded to the residence and encountered Pedro Jesus Dominguez Mendez, 43, of Newport Beach, armed with a knife.
“Mendez was uncooperative and assaulted multiple officers by throwing a chemical substance at them,” Fischbacher wrote.
Authorities later identified the chemical substance as ammonia, Fischbacher explained in an email Wednesday.
“Fearing for their safety and the safety of others, one of the officers fired at Mendez,” the NBPD statement explained.
The suspect was not hit and he retreated into the apartment, police reported.
NBPD’s Crisis Response Unit (SWAT/CNT) was activated and began negotiations with Mendez.
Around 4:50 p.m. a Nixle police alert went out, warning residents about police activity in the area of Amigos/Domingo in Eastbluff and urging people to stay indoors.
Mendez surrendered without further incident to police custody at 5:13 p.m.
On Tuesday, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges: Five counts of 245c assault with a deadly weapon on police officer; four counts of 244 assault with a caustic chemical; one count of 69 resisting and executive officer; and 243e1 domestic battery.
The Newport Beach Fire Department treated three officers for exposure to a caustic chemical.
Two of the officers were transported to a local hospital for additional medical treatment. They were treated and went home Sunday night, Fischbacher said in an email Monday.
Anyone with information or a witness to the incident is asked to contact Detective Rick Henry (949) 644-3797.
