SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah, Nov. 27, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — Police say a DUI driver caused two crashes on Interstate 15 in Salt Lake County and assaulted multiple people.
A probable cause statement from the 3rd District Court of Salt Lake City said Miguel Alfonso Martinez, 34, is facing charges of:
- Damage jails, a third-degree felony
- DUI of alcohol with BAC at or over .05, a class B misdemeanor
- Reckless driving, a class B misdemeanor
- Two counts of driving too fast for existing conditions, a class C misdemeanor
- Two counts of failure to remain at scene of an accident, a class B misdemeanor
- Assault, a class B misdemeanor
- Improper lane change in occupied lane, an infraction
The statement said the arresting officer responded to a crash and fight in progress at 5300 South on I-15 southbound, Tuesday at approximately 4:40 p.m.
“Upon my arrival I located Miguel Martinez, who was detained by another trooper who had arrived before me,” the statement said. “I spoke to Mr. Martinez who told me he was involved in a crash and a fight with the other party. I could detect the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from Mr. Martinez. I could see his eyes were glossy and red as well.”
Martinez’s speech was slurred and he had trouble comprehending what the officer was saying, the statement said. Multiple witnesses stated Martinez was driving recklessly, cutting other vehicles off and speeding.
A witnesses stated Martinez crashed into the back of a vehicle, tried to drive away, then crashed into the back of another vehicle. He then tried to get back into his vehicle and drive away, unsuccessfully. The witnesses stated Martinez assaulted several individuals.
“Mr. Martinez was placed into the cage portion of my patrol vehicle,” the statement said. “While Mr. Martinez was in my vehicle, the odor of an alcoholic beverage became more intense.”
After being read his Miranda rights, Martinez declined to speak to the officer. The officer told him he would be investigating him for possibly driving under the influence. Martinez said he was sorry, the statement said.
Martinez was transported to the Utah Highway Patrol Murray office, where he refused the standardized field sobriety tests. The officer then submitted a warrant for a blood draw, which was approved by the on call judge. Two vials of blood evidence were retrieved from Martinez after he was served the warrant.
“While I was booking evidence, Mr. Martinez became more aggressive,” the statement said. “Mr. Martinez threw the table and chairs, breaking one of the table legs. Mr. Martinez also spit all over the room.”
Martinez was transported to the Salt Lake County Jail with his bail set at $5,000.
