Man Leads Deputies on a High-Speed Chase

SAN BERNARDINO>> On Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, at approximately 3:24 a.m., Deputy Romero was conducting routine patrol in San Bernardino when he observed a truck with vehicle code violations travelling westbound on Highland Avenue. Romero attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the truck driver sped away and a pursuit ensued. The driver slowed down near Arden Avenue, where a female occupant exited the truck. The truck then entered Interstate 210 freeway, heading westbound and reaching speeds of 100 mph. The truck began to exit at Waterman Avenue and swerved down an embankment, driving through ivy to further elude pursuing deputies. Deputies continued to pursue the truck as it entered the transition onto the Interstate 259. The truck passed the Highland Avenue off-ramp and swerved down another embankment. The suspect driver lost control of the truck and crashed through a fence. The truck rolled and landed on the driver’s side, rendering it inoperable. The suspect driver exited the passenger’s side of the truck and fled on foot towards nearby businesses. Deputy Nicassio pursued the suspect on foot and later took him into custody. The driver was identified as Manuel Martinez. A search of the truck revealed a loaded .45 caliber handgun. After further investigation, the truck and handgun were both identified as being stolen out of the Las Vegas area. Martinez was arrested and booked into the Central Detention Center. The female occupant was interviewed and released at the scene. During the investigation, it was discovered that Martinez was currently on PRCS release for burglary charges out of Los Angeles County.