Bat Attack Suspect Crashes Into Store, Flees

Police are searching for a suspect who drove off after attacking someone with a baseball bat in Martinez Monday night and then crashed into a tire shop, which sparked a fire, Martinez police said.

Officers responded to the 900 block of Brown Street after a report of a person struck with a baseball bat Monday night before 11 p.m., according to police.

When officers arrived the suspect had already fled in a black Honda sedan.

A few minutes later police say they tracked down the Honda to a crash into the Goodyear tire store at 3935 Alhambra Ave. The driver reportedly fled before officers arrived, leaving behind a burning vehicle.

But a witness, Jessica Norlin, said the vehicle was being chased southbound down Alhambra Avenue by at least five police cars when the driver attempted to make a u-turn and fishtailed into a light pole by the tire store. At that point, Norlin said, the driver left the car and headed toward the Lotus Apartments.

The car then burst into flames, said Norlin, and ConFire arrived to put out the fire.

The tire shop sustained minor damage, police said.

Officers were continuing their search for the suspect, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Martinez police Officer Breinig at (925) 372-3440 or by emailing tbreinig@cityofmartinez.org.

— Bay City News Service contributed to this report.

   editor's note: Thanks to Craig Cannon for sending Patch the photos.