A brief but tense standoff in East El Paso ended Wednesday when 39-year-old Mario Martinez surrendered after barricading himself in a nearby residence following reports of an aggravated assault involving a stabbing. Deputies took Martinez into custody without incident after calling in specialized units to secure the scene.
How the standoff unfolded
Deputies responded to the 700 block of Oxley Street for an aggravated assault involving a stabbing. Investigators say the suspect fled to a nearby home and barricaded himself. The Sheriff's Office deployed its SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiation Team; after a brief standoff, Martinez surrendered. He was booked on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, with no bond set, and the Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation, according to KFOX14.
Agency response and specialized units
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office maintains dedicated SWAT and crisis negotiation teams for high-risk incidents, coordinating with public affairs during active scenes. The agency's public affairs page outlines its procedures for releasing information and notes that specialized units are used when containment and negotiation are needed, per the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.
What the charge means
Martinez faces aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a felony that under Texas law generally starts as a second-degree offense but can be enhanced depending on injuries or other factors. The statute defines aggravated assault as an assault causing serious bodily injury or involving the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon, according to the Texas Penal Code.
Where to get updates
The Major Crimes Unit will handle follow-up work, and authorities have not released additional details about the alleged victim or motive. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office through its public affairs channels or tip line; official updates and news releases will be posted on the department's website, per the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.
