A Marshfield woman with a history of violent confrontations with law enforcement is on the lam after reportedly attacking two police officers during a well-being check, leaving one with a bloodied head wound. Gina Martell, 42, stands accused of striking an officer with a ceramic statue on February 19, an assault that required emergency medical attention for the bloodied victim.
According to The Boston Globe, the confrontation began when Martell refused to admit officers to her apartment without a warrant. She then proceeded to instantly become aggressive after police entered the apartment with a key provided by a family member. Martell, who was supposed to face arraignment but failed to appear in court, is now sought by authorities.
On scene with firefighters on standby during the incident, the police and a mental health clinician endeavored to transport Martell to a hospital after she exhibited delusional and paranoid behavior. However, Martell's belligerence escalated as she grabbed an 8-inch statue and accosted the officers, the Boston Herald details. An officer deployed a Taser, which proved minimally effective, before she struck an officer with the figurine.
"Martell ignored the officers and became argumentative and aggressive," the Boston Herald states. In the struggle that ensued, Martell was accused of elbowing and kicking the officers prior to being subdued and handcuffed. Despite the violence of the arrest, the suspect "suffered no physical injuries during the encounter."
Both officers are reportedly expected to make a full recovery from their injuries. The Marshfield Police Department praised their professionalism and restraint, claiming that the situation "could have easily been catastrophic," per the Herald's report. In the meantime, the search intensifies for Martell, who faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to murder or maim, and is known to authorities for concealing weapons in her attire and on her person.
