Lodi, CA - Suspect Attacks Police Officer To The Ground - Steals Police Car - Drags and Injures Police Officer
Suspect Who Stole Cop Car During Chase
Arrested
STOCKTON (CBS13) ― Police have arrested two suspects who allegedly led
authorities on a wild chase from Lodi to Stockton. At one point in the pursuit,
one of the suspects stole a police car and sped away.
The chase began at a Lodi Safeway around 2:35 p.m., when a witness flagged down
a patrol car and pointed out a driver who had allegedly stolen alcohol from the
grocery store. The officer tried to stop the car, but the driver refused to
stop.
The car containing the two suspects allegedly ran a red light and collided with
another vehicle, but still refused to stop. The car sustained heavy damage in
the crash, and eventually broke down in Stockton.
The two suspects, a male drive and a teen female passenger, bailed out of the
car and fled. The teen was caught in a nearby business and arrested.
A pursuing officer gave chase to the male suspect, whom police identified as
23-year old Erving Jeovanny Martinez. Martinez allegedly wheeled around on the
officer and attacked him.
The officer was forced to the ground, and the suspect jumped into the front
seat of the police car. The officer tried to pull the keys out of the ignition,
but Martinez allegedly stepped on the gas.
The officer was dragged alongside the car for a distance before he leaped
away, suffering minor injuries. Authorities say Martinez drove into oncoming
traffic on Interstate 5 before stopping the car and fleeing into a nearby
Stockton neighborhood on foot.
Police initiated a door-to-door search and soon located Martinez on Kelly Drive.
He was arrested and charged with auto theft, assault with a deadly weapon,
battery on a peace officer and felony evading.
The teen girl was booked into juvenile hall on charges of grand theft and
resisting arrest.