Man Tries to Shoot Up DUI Checkpoint!

An ex-convict who attempted to kill 10 Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies at a DUI checkpoint has been charged with attempted murder last week. He also took a man hostage in a standoff in Bellflower.

According to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office, the man has been identified as Juan Manuel Martinez, 39, of Burbank. Martinez is currently facing more than a dozen felony counts, including 10 counts of attempted murder of a peace officer; false imprisonment of a hostage; dissuading a witness by threat of force, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Martinez pleaded not guilty Tuesday to the charges against him.

Martinez is currently being held on $11-million bail. He has previously been convicted of grand theft and drug charges.

The series of events involving Martinez began at about 10:50 p.m. on Thursday with a shooting in the 9000 block of Oak Street. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies had been conducting a DUI checkpoint just a short distance away.

Capt. Christopher Reed indicated that while Martinez passed through the checkpoint, he was later pulled over by a motorcycle officer not far from the DUI checkpoint.

Martinez got out of his vehicle armed with a gun and opened fire, striking the deputy multiple times. The deputy returned fire at Martinez but the former convict was not injured in the exchange.

Martinez then abandoned his vehicle and fired at four more of the law enforcement officers who were called to assist the injured officer. A second set of officers arrived on the scene as Martinez was attempting to flee on foot. He opened fire on them. A second deputy was injured in the firefight near Lisa and Laurel Streets.

Martinez continued to flee from deputies and shots were once again fired. No one was hurt, according to officials.

Martinez escaped and was hiding in a guest home behind an apartment in the 9000 block of Mayne Street where he barricaded himself with a male hostage. The hostage situation lasted some 8 hours.

It was Friday morning when a SWAT team armed with tear gas was able to force its way into the small structure and arrest Martinez. The man who was being held hostage was unhurt.

The injured sheriff’s deputies were both taken to area hospitals, where they received medical care.

If convicted of the charges that have been made against him, Martinez faces life in prison.

No matter how serious the charges are against someone, and the situation may appear hopeless, by law that person is entitled to a fair trial.

If you or someone you love is facing being charged with a crime in the greater Los Angeles area, contact our offices today. You don’t have to plead guilty to the charge. You can fight your drug alcohol or other charges with an attorney who will make sure that you and your rights are protected. Contact us today 818-294-7106 to schedule a free consultation and legal analysis.