A vehicle suspected of being used in multiple drive-by shootings led to the arrest of two people.
Wichita police said at around 7:20 p.m. on Tuesday, they were following a Nissan suspected in those shootings. When they stopped the car at an apartment in 5400 block of E. 21st St. N., police found an improvised explosive device that looked like a grenade.
Officers arrested Eri Mendoza, 25, of Wichita on charges of aggravated assault, possession of methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, criminal possession of an explosive device, criminal use of an explosive device, and driving with a suspended license. Additionally, WPD arrested Jessica Valdovinos, 29, of Wichita on charges of possession of methamphetamine, criminal use of an explosive device, and outstanding warrants.
The WPD bomb unit responded to assist with the safe disposal of the device. Also, inside the vehicle, officers located a firearm, a firearm magazine, and methamphetamine.
The investigations are ongoing, and the cases will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office and the United States Attorney's Office. Mendoza has previous felony convictions.
