Wanted Felon Arrested After Car Chase In Cornelius

CORNELIUS, OR — A man wanted by Washington County law enforcement since July was finally arrested Wednesday night in Cornelius following a brief car chase.

Jose Carmel Hernandez-Martinez, 26, was taken to the Washington County Jail for several driving misdemeanors, including reckless driving, attempting to elude an officer, hit and run, and recklessly endangering another person. His bail is set at $1,250.

Already a convicted felon for a plethora of charges against him since 2010, Hernandez-Martinez was wanted this time for allegedly fleeing the scene of a crash in Aloha July 6, and for leading Cornelius deputies on a different car chase through the city July 30.

Hernandez-Martinez's expansive criminal record also includes charges for burglary, theft, assault, DUII, criminal mischief, multiple escapes, and possession of methamphetamine.

Washington County deputies serving Cornelius reportedly saw Hernandez-Martinez driving near the intersection of North Davis Street and North 17th Avenue just before 9:30 p.m. Dec. 20.

Knowing Hernandez-Martinez was driving the car, and knowing he was also wanted, deputies reportedly initiated a traffic stop. Hernandez-Martinez did not pull over, however, and instead began a car chase through the city — again.

Hernandez-Martinez allegedly led deputies roughly 10 blocks around Cornelius before finally bailing from his car and escaping on foot.

A short time later, a Cornelius resident reportedly saw Hernandez-Martinez hiding on a roof about three blocks from where he'd left his car. Forest Grove police and a K9 unit were reportedly dispatched to search the area — ultimately locating Hernandez-Martinez on the roof, right where the community member said he'd be.

Image via Washington County Sheriff's Office