Stuart Police Department officers responded to a distress call on Wednesday after a woman reported being battered by her boyfriend, identified as Hector Martinez. The incident occurred at a local hotel, where the victim claimed Martinez had stolen her cell phone and left visible injuries on her, as reported by CBS12. Despite an immediate search in the vicinity, Martinez remained at large.
The following day, in a sequence of events described by WPBF, Officer Corey Lee from the Fort Pierce Police spotted Martinez walking near Monterey Road and U.S. 1. Upon Officer Lee's approach, Martinez fled, initiating Fleeing the scene, a foot pursuit ensued. Officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife, who were nearby, saw the chase and assisted in the apprehension of the suspect.
Martinez attempted to elude officers by throwing a plastic bag—later found to hold 10.3 grams of methamphetamine—and hiding under an SUV. The Stuart Police Department reported that officers discovered Martinez and were able to convince him to surrender without further incident. The stolen phone was found in his possession, confirming the initial theft allegations.
Martinez now faces multiple charges including sexual battery, grand theft, possession of a controlled substance, and resisting arrest without violence. Making quick work of the situation, law enforcement reported that the victim's stolen phone was recovered alongside the arrest of Martinez. He was arrested in connection with multiple crimes reported by the woman involved in the altercation a day earlier.
