Accused Murderer Scuffles With Ramapo Police

NEW HEMPSTEAD, NY — An accused murderer is in custody in Rockland County after a series of violent events Thursday.

At about 3:30 p.m., Ramapo police received a call about a strange man attempting to gain access to an office on Route 45 in New Hempstead. They heard the suspect fled in a Ford SUV, and reportedly approached the driver of another vehicle on the road, punching him and smashing a tablet.

Officers located the vehicle a short distance away, impeding traffic, with a man about 6’6” tall and weighing about 400 pounds standing outside it, police said.

Instead of complying with the officers’ commands, the man ran toward an occupied vehicle, and attempted to get in the driver’s door.

Then he physically resisted the officers, who deployed a Taser in attempt to bring him under control. Finally the officers, who were both injured in the scuffle, were able to gain control over the man and place him under arrest, police said.

He was identified Alexander Martinez, 51, from Carteret, New Jersey.

Police said they learned Martinez is wanted by authorities in Miami-Dade County, Florida, for Murder in the First Degree.

He is being charged by the Ramapo Police Department with:

• Fugitive from Justice
• Felony Criminal Mischief
• Criminal Trespass
• Attempted Assault
• Obstructing Governmental Administration
• Resisting Arrest
• Disorderly Conduct
• Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs

Arrangements were being made Friday afternoon for his arraignment.