Lafayette police arrest suspect in Wednesday morning burglary and rape

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Police suspect that Preston Eric Mendoza sneaked into a house on Underwood Street early Wednesday, where investigators believe he raped a 17-year-old girl, according to a news release published Friday.

Police were summoned to the scene about 1:35 a.m. Wednesday, and began their investigation.

Witnesses' statements and evidence led police to arrest Mendoza, 25, of the 2200 block of North 18th Street, Lafayette. Based on Mendoza's address, he lives near the victim.

Officers jailed Mendoza Thursday night on suspicion of rape, burglary, intimidation and criminal confinement. He remained incarcerated at the Tippecanoe County Jail Friday without bond, according to online jail records.