Angry Driver Plows Into Family Of Eight At 7-11, Killing Pregnant Mom

The driver got into his Nissan Infiniti SUV and allegedly rammed into the eight family members. He then reportedly hit the storefront, backed up, and plowed into the victims again.

February 21, 2019

Jason Mendez [screenshot from PIX 11 video]

Jason Mendez [screenshot from PIX 11 video]

By: Catherine Townsend

HAVERSTRAW, NY - One woman was killed and seven other members of her family injured on Wednesday afternoon after an angry driver allegedly plowed into them in his vehicle in a 7-11, according to police.

Police believe that an argument started between the driver, Jason Mendez, 35, and the family after the children’s father, Shawn LeLoatch, asked Mendez not to blow smoke in the children’s direction. Police Captain Martin Lund confirmed that the incident began when the family got into an argument with the driver. The driver got into his Nissan Infiniti SUV and allegedly rammed into the eight family members. He then reportedly hit the storefront, backed up, and plowed into the victims again.

Melissa Castillo DeLoatch [GoFundMe]

Melissa Castillo DeLoatch [GoFundMe]

Authorities have confirmed that the mother, 32-year-old Melissa Castillo Deloatch, was killed. Police say six children were injured, as well as a 35-year-old man. All the children were under the age of 10. Their injuries range from minor to very serious, according to authorities. “Kids doing great up here,” DeLoach wrote in a Facebook post from Westchester Medical Center on Thursday.

After allegedly striking the family with the vehicle, Mendez got out of the SUV with a knife but failed to follow verbal commands, police said. “He didn't say anything initially to the police officers,” Lund said, according to the Daily Mail. “He refused to drop the knife. Then he was tazed at the scene and taken down.” Police reportedly said there is no evidence indicating the suspect is known to the family.

Witnesses in the parking lot described a horrific scene, with an employee of a local ambulance service reportedly describing it as "carnage." According to New York's WPIX News, authorities charged Mendez with second-degree murder and seven counts of attempted second-degree murder. He reportedly pled not guilty and is being held at the Rockland County jail.

Read More: PIX 11, DailyMail.com

Next Up

Convicted Killer Robert Durst Faces Murder Trial In Connection To His Wife’s 1982 Disappearance

One-time Manhattan real estate heir Robert Durst was found guilty in California of the first-degree murder of his best friend and confidante, Susan Berman.

True Crime News Roundup: Pregnant Woman Fatally Shot Two Weeks Before Her Due Date

Plus: Brian Laundrie’s father joins the search for his fugitive son; a group of investigators believe they’ve identified the Zodiac Killer; and a convicted con man on the run for decades is possibly spotted at a Dodgers game.

Hunt Continues For Fugitive Who Murdered 18-Year-Old Na'Kia Crawford In Ohio

Investigators say Adarus Black has connections to Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan and California. His arms are covered in tattoos. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please call or text the IN PURSUIT hotline. John Walsh guarantees you can remain anonymous: 833-378-7783 (3-PURSUE).

Ervis Mecollari Wanted For Allegedly Killing Elderly Woman, Stabbing Her 37 Times

Capt. Mike Ponzillo from the Waterbury Police told Callahan Walsh when he arrived, "One of the worst scenes of my career, Mrs. Orso was stabbed nearly 30 times... 37 times was the final number." Investigators said he has a history of drug use and may have had surgery on his nose due to excessive heroin use. If you know where Ervis Mecollari is hiding out, please call or text our hotline. Host John Walsh guarantees you can remain anonymous: 833-378-7783 (3-PURSUE).

Texas Woman Wanted For Hiring A Hitman To Kill Husband

Margaret Lorrain Smith stands 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 185 pounds when she vanished. She has a mole on the right side of her hairline and a small mole under her right eye. She's currently on the Texas Department of Public Safety's Top 10 Most Wanted for capital murder. If you know where she's hiding out, please call our hotline. Host John Walsh guarantees you can remain anonymous: 833-378-7783 (3-PURSUE).

Suspect For Whom Two Murder Warrants Issued in Austin Cases is Also Implicated in Third Murder in Mexico

Two murder warrants issued for same suspect in a six month period. Authorities were also looking into the possibility that Pedro Espinoza was allegedly involved in another murder in Mexico. If you have any information on Espinoza please contact our hotline directly. You can always remain anonymous and you can text information 24/7: 833-378-7783 (3-PURSUE).

True Crime News Roundup: Police Knew Kidnapped 3-Month-Old Was In Car When They Opened Fire, Killing Him

Plus: Smuggler caught with 52 reptiles concealed in his clothing; missing Hawaiian man found encased in concrete; correctional officer accused of killing his girlfriend; and film director mistakenly handcuffed after bank reports robbery.

5 Key Facts About The Jessica Chambers Murder Case

Jessica Chambers suffered an agonizing death: Firefighters saw her walking toward them, wearing only her underwear & burned over 93 percent of her body.

Mysterious Death Of 25-Year-Old Man Last Seen Leaving An NYC Bar May Be Tied To A Robbery Ring

Friends of Julio Ramirez suspect he may have been drugged before his death — and he may not be the only victim.