Man faces new charge in Caldwell kidnapping case

CALDWELL, Idaho – A Washington man in custody on charges that he kidnapped and tortured a woman in Caldwell has pleaded not guilty to an enhancement to the current charges.

The Idaho Press-Tribune reported Arturo Hector Mendoza was charged with aggravated assault, battery and kidnapping.

On Friday, he pleaded not guilty to an additional “persistent violator” enhancement. This means if he’s convicted on the other charges, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Caldwell police say a woman who had taken Mendoza’s phone out of spite agreed to meet him at a gas station. Police say when Mendoza arrived, he rammed his car into hers, eventually dragged her out and beat her repeatedly at a house. She escaped and police later captured Mendoza.