Photo Courtesy NMSP
NMSP NEWS
On Friday, November 13 at around 1:22 p.m., New Mexico State Police Officers were dispatched to assist the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office with a report of a stolen vehicle in the area of Arroyo Seco. The vehicle was described as a black Toyota 4Runner pulling a camper trailer.
Officers encountered the vehicle near Wheat Street in Arroyo Seco. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Jeffrey Martinez, 24, of Ojo Caliente, evaded the responding officers, striking and injuring a Santa Fe County Deputy with the camper trailer, and a pursuit ensued. At some point during the initial stages of the pursuit, a second Santa Fe County Deputy discharged their duty weapon. Martinez was not struck by the deputy’s gunfire.
After a lengthy pursuit, officers eventually discontinued pursuing Martinez on State Road 503 when they lost sight of the suspect vehicle. NMSP officers and SFCSO deputies continued to search for Martinez with the assistance of the New Mexico State Police helicopter.
Martinez was located a short time later, walking on State Road 503 in Cundiyo. He was placed under arrest without further incident. The 4Runner Martinez had used to flee officers was found in the immediate area.
At the time of his arrest, Martinez had numerous warrants for his arrest ranging from Aggravated DWI, Criminal Damage to Property, Felony Breaking and Entering, Possession of Controlled Substance, Child Abuse, Disorderly Conduct, and Obstructing a Police Officer.
In addition to the outstanding warrants, Martinez was booked into the Santa Fe County Detention Center on the additional charges of Aggravated Battery on a Peace Officer (3 counts), Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer (3 counts), Retaining Stolen Property, and Aggravated Fleeing a Peace Officer. Other charges could be pending.
This incident is under investigation by the New Mexico State Police Uniform Bureau. The officer involved shooting (OIS) involving the Santa Fe County Deputy is being investigated by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau. Additional information about the OIS will be released after the deputy has been interviewed. No state police officers were injured in this incident. For information about the duty status of the Santa Fe County Deputies please reach out to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.