A complex crime spree that began with a hit-and-run in Gaithersburg unfolded into a multi-county police pursuit, culminating with the arrest of a New York man and the safe recovery of his young daughter. According to the Montgomery County Department of Police press release, on Monday, the chain of events started when a Toyota Scion, reported stolen from New York City, was involved in a collision at Route 355 and Watkins Mill Road at about 4:31 a.m. Witnesses observed a Hispanic male and a child leaving the scene on foot.
Shortly thereafter, at around 5:50 a.m., a resident in Gaithersburg reported their 2015 Kia Forte stolen. The situation took a more dire turn when a homeowner in Germantown reported a home invasion at 9:20 a.m. The suspect had claimed his daughter needed to use the restroom, and then threateningly brandished a weapon to steal various items and the owner's vehicle. Following swift investigations, authorities identified the suspect as Esmeraldo Martinez De La Cruz, who and his daughter Luna were missing from New York City.
Later that afternoon, a law enforcement team in Bridgewater, VA, spotted the stolen GMC Sierra and tried to stop Martinez, who instead led them on a nearly 60-mile chase, at times firing shots at pursuing officers. The harrowing pursuit ended when Martinez crashed into a guardrail and was apprehended by Virginia State Police. "Martinez was taken into custody by Virginia State Police without incident," the press release emphasized. His daughter was assessed on the scene by Fire Rescue and reported unharmed.
No civilians or officers were injured during the ordeal. Martinez now faces an array of charges in both Virginia and Montgomery County, including attempted murder of law enforcement officers, possession of stolen property, home invasion, and child neglect. As it stands, he is being held at the Rockingham County Regional Jail in Virginia, waiting to face the consequent legal proceedings for his alleged actions.
