California Highway Patrol, California
End of Watch: Thursday, May 15, 1997
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 8 years
Badge Number: 12555
Cause of Death: Struck by vehicle
Date of Incident: May 8, 1997
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Trial ended in mistrial
Officer Martinez died after being unconscious since the early morning hours of May 8, 1997, after he was struck by a vehicle. Officer Martinez and his partner were walking back to their cruiser after stopping for a vehicle on the side of the road when a speeding car, which was driving on the shoulder, struck him. Just before it struck him he pushed his partner out of the way, saving his life. The misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter trial of the driver ended in a mistrial in 2000.
Officer Martinez had his organs donated for the benefit of others. He is survived by his wife and three children.