Muleshoe man to be arraigned Wednesday in shooting

A Muleshoe man involved in an exchange of gunfire with a Muleshoe police officer is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in district court.

Juan Mendoza Quezada, 44, is charged with attempted murder on a peace officer and aggravated assault on a peace officer.

Quezada, who has been held at the Bailey County jail since May 25, was indicted Friday by a grand jury. His bond was denied after the grand jury indictment.

District Attorney Kathryn Gurley said the case was not presented to the grand jury earlier because of the "uncertainty of his condition. He was very critical."

Quezada was struck "several times" during an exchange of gunfire Feb. 10 with Sgt. Steve Bartley, who was responding to a domestic disturbance call.

Bartley, who was hit in the hip and chest (he was wearing a protective vest), returned to work a short time later and is still with the force.

Gurley said she believes she has "sufficient evidence" in the case, including strong witness statements.

She said Quezada has not been interviewed by police.

If convicted, Quezada faces a sentence of no less than five years to 99 years or life, Gurley said.