17-Year-Old Fled In Stolen Car To Avoid Walk To School: Report

GREENFIELD, WI — Winter may have been harsh for many of us, however Greenfield police say a 17-year-old Milwaukee Pulaski High School student went too far after buying a stolen car for $50 in order to drive to school to avoid the cold.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County, a Greenfield police officer on patrol on the night of Feb. 24 in the area of 27th Street and Coldspring Road attempted to stop a vehicle that was registered out of Milwaukee.

The officer said that the driver of the vehicle, later identified as Jose De Jesus Martinez, sped away from the officer, heading west on Coldspring Rd. The officer turned on his emergency lights and engaged in the pursuit, reaching 71 miles per hour near 35th Street and Coldspring Road. Later, police say Martinez sped onto Loomis Road, heading west.

The Greenfield officer said that as he pursued Martinez past Edgerton Ave., his top speed was about 95 miles per hour. Police said Martinez then attempted to turn onto west onto
Grange Ave., only to t-bone another car. Police said Martinez ran from his damaged car, but was caught on foot a short time later by police.

When Martinez was questioned by officers, he told them that he bought the vehicle he fled in for $50 cash. He said said no one specifically told him that the vehicle was stolen, but he thought it might have been based on the price he paid, and the manner in which he bought it, reports stated.

According to the criminal complaint, he told police he said he bought it so that he would not have to walk in the cold to school at Pulaski High School. During his statement, the
defendant repeatedly asked about the health of the people he struck during the police chase, and said he was glad he was the only one who had to go to the hospital due to his actions.

Court records indicate that Martinez has been charged as an adult with obstructing an officer, fleeing an officer and driving a stolen car.