A high-speed pursuit that began in Chula Vista culminated in a dramatic standoff in Buena Park, with police deploying pepper ball rounds to subdue the suspect. The chase started around 6:00 p.m. when Chula Vista Police attempted to apprehend a suspect wanted for assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer.
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Jonathan Martinez, fled northbound on Interstate 5, leading officers from San Diego County into Orange County. The pursuit covered several miles, with Martinez driving recklessly, endangering other motorists on the freeway.
The chase came to an end when Martinez stopped his vehicle in a residential area of Buena Park. Despite repeated commands from the officers, Martinez refused to exit the vehicle, prompting the deployment of less-than-lethal pepper ball rounds. The pepper balls, designed to cause irritation and force compliance, were successful in getting Martinez out of the car.
Upon exiting the vehicle, Martinez attempted to evade capture by climbing onto the hood of his car. Police then released a K-9 unit to assist in apprehending the suspect. Faced with the K-9, Martinez finally surrendered to authorities without further resistance.
No officers or bystanders were injured during the pursuit and arrest. Martinez was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for evaluation due to exposure to the pepper balls and minor injuries from the K-9 apprehension. He faces multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, felony evasion, and resisting arrest.
Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy praised the coordinated efforts of the multiple law enforcement agencies involved. “This was a dangerous situation that required swift and decisive action. Our officers demonstrated professionalism and restraint, utilizing non-lethal methods to bring this incident to a safe conclusion,” Chief Kennedy said.
The incident remains under investigation, and bodycam footage of the pursuit and arrest is expected to be released to the public in the coming days, providing further transparency into the actions taken by law enforcement during this high-stakes chase.
