Photo: Paul Mendez
CLEARLAKE – On December 3rd, Nicholas Vining was attacked while he was in the area of the 6800 block of Old Highway 53. He was at first placed “in a medically induced coma due to his severe injuries.”
Since that time, Vining began to improve and came out of his coma to the point where detectives were able to interview him about the attack.
This further investigation named 28-year-old Paul Mendez as “one of the subjects who assaulted Vining.”
Mendez is no stranger to law enforcement. He is “on active CDCR parole for sexual battery and is a registered sex offender with ankle monitoring.”
With the assistance of his parole officer, investigators located Mendez as he was walking down Highway 20. They arrested and interviewed him, during which time he admitted to the attack. After his admission in the attack, they charged him with assault with a deadly weapon, battery, robbery and a parole violation. He therefore has not been offered bond.
The CPD believes that the attack did not occur where it was reported. They also suspect that others either witnessed or participated in the attack. “Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Ryan Peterson at 707-994-8251 ext. 320.”.
