Harris County deputies are looking for a 39-year-old Arlington man after a coworker reported that he kidnapped and stabbed her inside a Spring motel while they were in town on a work trip. Investigators say the woman told them the suspect had been drinking, attacked her, dragged her back into their room when she tried to get away, then stabbed her and left her on the floor.
What authorities say
Harris County Precinct 4 identified the suspect as 39-year-old Danilo Osorio Mendez and says he is wanted on aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault and assault impeding breath charges, according to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman's Office. Officials say both Mendez and the victim live in Arlington and were staying at a Spring motel for work when the incident happened. Bond had not yet been set at the time of the report.
Victim's account
The victim told deputies that Mendez became intoxicated, assaulted her and, when she tried to escape the room, dragged her back inside, stabbed her and left her on the floor, according to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman's Office. Arlington police initially took the report, then passed the case to Precinct 4 for follow-up once investigators realized the attack happened in Harris County. Authorities have not shared any information about Mendez’s last known location.
How to help
Officials are asking anyone who knows where Mendez might be to contact Constable Mark Herman’s Office or their local law enforcement agency, and they are warning the public not to approach him. FOX 26 Houston reports that tips can be routed through Precinct 4.
Legal note
Under Texas law, aggravated kidnapping is a first-degree felony and aggravated assault is also treated as a serious felony offense. An assault that impedes a victim’s breathing can be charged as a third-degree felony in some cases. Those offenses and potential penalty ranges are set out in the state penal code, including Texas Penal Code §20.04 and §22.01.
