Man Allegedly Rammed Police Cars With Stolen Car

DENVER, CO – A 21-year-old man accused of ramming several squad cars with a stolen car and driving at on-foot police officers appears this week in Denver District Court.

Shawn Martinez faces charges of two counts of attempted first-degree murder.

The morning of Sept. 12, Martinez and another man were observed by patrol officers sitting in a 1998 Toyota Avalon that was parked in an empty car wash bay at a convenience store in the 1000 block of East Colfax, according to an arrest affidavit. Officers ran the license plate and found the car had been reported stolen out of Adams County.

One officer in a squad car pulled behind the Toyota and two on-foot officers approached the car on foot. Martinez, at the wheel in the car wash bay, "intentionally rammed" his car into the squad car behind him, and then allegedly drove straight at the two officers on foot, who jumped out of the way, the affidavit said.

Martinez then allegedly rammed the Toyota into the two officers' squad cars and took off westbound on East Colfax Avenue, while being pursued by police "endangering numerous citizens during rush hour traffic," police said.

Martinez and the other passenger abandoned the car in a parking garage at 1747 N. Pearl St and fled on foot. Police took Martinez into custody around 8:33 a.m. in an alley in the 1700 block of North Emerson Street, the affidavit said.

Martinez is scheduled to appear in court Thursday.

Image via Denver District Attorney's Office

Stay up-to-date on Denver news with Patch! There are many ways for you to connect and stay in touch: Free newsletters and Email Alerts|Facebook