A pre-dawn home invasion in Bullhead City’s River Gardens neighborhood left a 33-year-old man shot in both legs and grazed on the arm, and police are now searching for the suspected gunman. The attack happened on Thursday at about 5:20 a.m. in the 700 block of River Gardens Drive, where two armed, masked men forced their way into the home and fled before officers arrived. The victim was hospitalized in stable condition, and although four children were inside the residence at the time, none of them were injured.
Police issue wanted bulletin
Detectives have identified 23-year-old Gilberto 2Gil2 Mendez III as the shooting suspect and obtained a temporary felony warrant for attempted homicide, according to the Bullhead City Police Department on their Facebook page. In a public bulletin, the department warns Mendez should be considered armed and dangerous.
The alert includes photos and a physical description listing Mendez as a Hispanic male about 6'3" and 200 pounds. Police say he is known to live in both Bullhead City and Laughlin, Nevada, and investigators believe he may be connected to other recent shootings in the area.
Victim, scene and response
Officers responded after a 911 call and provided immediate medical aid to the 33-year-old victim, who had been shot in both legs and suffered a graze wound to his arm, as reported by The Bee News. He was transported to Western Arizona Regional Medical Center and was reported to be in stable condition. According to local reporting, the suspects took off from the scene before officers arrived, and no one else in the home was injured.
Context: recent violence in the area
The shooting lands in a community that has already seen its share of high-profile violence. In April 2025, Hoodline detailed a case in which Bullhead City police confronted an armed suspect after a multi-city crime spree and fatal shootout. That episode highlighted how cross-border incidents with Laughlin can complicate investigations and force tight coordination between Arizona and Nevada law enforcement. Residents have expressed concern about public safety as officers continue the search for Mendez.
How to help
Anyone with information about Mendez's whereabouts is urged to call 9-1-1 or contact the Bullhead City Police Department at (928) 763-1999. Police stress that Mendez should be considered armed and dangerous and warn the public not to try to apprehend him. Authorities say tips can also be submitted anonymously through local tip lines and law enforcement partners.
