In a late-night incident on Montana Avenue, El Paso County Sheriff's deputies arrested a man after he failed to adhere to a road closure, the sheriff's office reports. According to a social media post from El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte, the driver, later identified as Christian Chuy Martinez, 28, bypassed the traffic control set up due to a water main break along the 14600 block of Montana Avenue.
The situation unfolded around 12:07 a.m. on December 3, when Martinez approached the intersection of Montana Avenue and Desert Meadows in a black Ford Explorer, disregarding the several signs and warnings, his vehicle ominously absent of its headlights, a clear equipment violation at such late hours. Ubiquitously present deputies flagged down Martinez, only to be met with gestures of defiance as he communicated his intention not to stop and proceeded to drive through the emergency area. "When our deputies are out managing emergencies and keeping the public safe, ignoring their instructions puts everyone at risk," El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte stated. "If you refuse to stop, you will be held accountable."
According to the sheriff's office, deputies managed to apprehend Martinez shortly after the infraction without additional issues stemming from the initial encounter. Martinez has since been taken to the El Paso County Detention Facility, culminating in charges of Evading Arrest or Detention with a Vehicle, and his bond has been set at $1,000.
