Preston man in hospital after attempted suicide by cop

A Preston, Idaho, man is in the hospital after shooting himself in the head at a bus stop Monday afternoon.

Victor Mendoza, 30, had a handgun and was threatening suicide by cop within Preston city limits. When Preston police tried to locate Mendoza, they found his truck at a Cache Valley Transit District bus stop.

After confirming that Mendoza was on a bus headed to Logan, Utah, Preston police notified local law enforcement.

Logan police found Mendoza at a bus stop on 2200 N. Main in Logan. Because he was armed, police believed there could be a potential danger so they closed off Main Street for public safety.

When officers tried to approach Mendoza, he pulled out the handgun and shot himself in the head. Officers and EMS personnel administered first-aid on scene. Mendoza was transported to Logan Regional Medical Center.

Logan police Chief Gary Jensen said suicide by cop situations happen too often for police and they’re very tough situations.

“Historically, there’s a lot of this kind of stuff that goes on,” Jensen said. “I’m sad for the man that took these steps, we wish we could have helped him otherwise. I am grateful at this time that we did not have to engage him.”

Mendoza’s current condition is unknown, but he is alive.

The investigation is ongoing.