As reported by Detective Danielle Toliver of South Detectives Division
Suspect wanted for multiple shootings
On Wednesday, July 26, the Philadelphia Police Department sent a release stating it needs the public’s assistance in locating Xavier Gutierrez-Mendez. He is reported to be responsible for two shootings that took place on Saturday, July 22 at approximately 8:20 p.m. After the incident, officers assigned to the 12th Police District responded to the 6500 block of Belmar Street to investigate a report of a “person with a gun.”
Upon arrival, officers located a 24-year-old male victim lying on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds to the back of the head, shoulders and arm. The victim was transported by police to Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center where he was immediately taken into surgery and listed in critical condition.
Previously, on Thursday, June 8 at approximately 9:45 p.m., 3rd District officers responded to the area of 2100 S. 5th St. for another “person with a gun.” Upon arrival, the officers located a 44-year-old male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to his back. The victim was transported to Jefferson Hospital by police and was listed in stable condition. The victim later informed investigators that following an argument, he was shot by a Hispanic male he knew from the neighborhood as “Xavier.” Detectives from the South and Southwest Detective Divisions developed a suspect report of a man who was later identified as Xavier Gutierrez-Mendez, a 31-year-old from 5700 Chester Ave.
There are two warrants issued for his arrest. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Southwest Detective Division at (215) 686–3183, the South Detective Division at (215) 686–3013, or call 911.
Spray paint vandalism
On Monday, July 24 at approximately 9:50 p.m., three unknown suspects were captured on surveillance video walking in the 1200 block of South 35th Street. Two of the suspect were spray painting anti-police slogans and profanity on walls and vehicles while the third acted as a lookout. They then left the area in an unknown direction.
To report information, call South Detectives at 215–685–1635, text PPDTIP (773847) or visit phillypolice.com/forms.
Multiple thefts of motor vehicle batteries
On Tuesday, June 20 a theft of a battery at 2000 Lombard St. was captured on surveillance video. The video depicted an unknown white or Hispanic male with a slim build, salt and pepper sideburns and a goatee and approximately 6-feet tall exiting a tan Honda Civic with Pennsylvania tag, JTN1733. The male then walked bck to a Jeep Wrangler, lifted the hood up and removed the battery. He then walked back to the Honda placing the battery inside the vehicle.
Including this incident, the Philadelphia Police Department’s Major Crimes Auto Squad has been investigating multiple thefts of vehicle batterie,s mostly from Jeep Wranglers. These vehicles’ hoods can be easily opened from the outside and have been occurring since May in the 6, 9, 17 and 26 districts.
To report information, call South Detectives at 215–685–1635, text PPDTIP (773847) or visit phillypolice.com/forms.
