STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — A Tampa man, Hector Martinez, was arrested after leading police on a brief foot chase in Stuart, Florida, following accusations of domestic battery, theft, and drug possession, according to the Stuart Police Department (SPD).
On Wednesday, officers responded to a local hotel after a woman reported that her boyfriend had assaulted her the previous night and stolen her cell phone. Officers observed visible injuries on the victim, prompting an immediate search of the area. However, no suspect was located at that time.
The next day, Fort Pierce Police Officer Corey Lee spotted Martinez near Monterey Road and U.S. 1. As the officer approached, Martinez fled on foot, prompting a brief pursuit. Nearby Florida Fish and Wildlife officers joined the chase and assisted in locating the suspect.
During the chase, Martinez allegedly threw a plastic bag and attempted to hide under an SUV, according to police. He was soon found and persuaded to surrender peacefully.
Inside the discarded bag, officers discovered 10.3 grams of methamphetamine. Martinez also had the victim’s stolen phone in his pocket.
Martinez was arrested and booked on the following charges:
Sexual battery
Grand theft
Possession of a controlled substance
Resisting arrest without violence
He is currently in custody, and further court proceedings are pending.
