Owasso man accused of driving drunk, ramming patrol cars during police chase
By: Owasso, OK - A 19-year-old man is facing multiple charges after Owasso police said he led officers on a chase through the city, endangered pedestrians, rammed patrol vehicles and admitted to drinking a bottle of vodka before the pursuit.
Lomas Martinez was booked into the Tulsa County Jail following the chase, which began around 10 p.m. Wednesday in the shopping district near Target.
According to the Owasso Police Department, an officer saw a white Ford Mustang Cobra doing burnouts and donuts in a parking lot while several pedestrians were nearby.
When the officer attempted a traffic stop, police said Martinez sped through the parking lot and drove through a large gathering of juveniles, nearly striking several people before fleeing onto nearby roads.
Officers said Martinez ran a red light before becoming boxed in behind a business. Investigators said he repeatedly rammed the officer’s patrol vehicle while reversing, allowing him to escape and continue the chase.
Police said Martinez drove north on Garnett Road at speeds reaching 77 mph while traffic was light.
During the pursuit, officers received a report that Martinez struck another vehicle near Garnett Road and 106th Street North. However, when officers returned to the area after the chase ended, they were unable to locate any victims or damaged vehicles.
The pursuit continued through a construction zone before officers attempted several Tactical Vehicle Interventions, or TVIs, to stop the Mustang.
Police said one TVI successfully spun the vehicle, but Martinez allegedly rammed another patrol car before continuing west. Officers said he later ran another stop sign before entering northbound U.S. 75.
An officer performed another TVI on U.S. 75, sending the Mustang off the highway, through a barbed-wire fence and into a field, according to police.
Investigators said Martinez attempted to continue driving through the field, but the Mustang became stuck in tall grass because of its low ground clearance. He then surrendered without further incident.
Martinez was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment, where police obtained a blood sample to determine whether he was under the influence. Investigators said Martinez admitted to drinking a bottle of vodka before the incident.
Police said they are awaiting the results of the blood test. After being released from the hospital, Martinez was booked into the Tulsa County Jail.
No officers or members of the public were injured during the pursuit.