A man in Strawberry, California, was pulled over by a sheriff’s deputy, who later noticed “14 fresh bullet holes” in the man’s car. Allegedly, the suspect refused to cooperate with the law enforcement agent, choosing to flee the scene and later ditching the bullet-ridden vehicle.
According to a Marin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) post, the incident occurred on Tuesday, June 16. At around 1:43 a.m., an MCSO deputy observed a vehicle traveling southbound on US101 near the Richardson Bay Ridge.
As per the sheriff’s office, the vehicle was speeding at around 100 mph. Depending on the exact location, the speed limit varies from 45 to 50 mph
Therefore, a traffic stop was initiated by the deputy. Near the Spencer Avenue exit, the vehicle pulled over, and the approaching deputy noticed major worrying signs.
’14 Fresh Bullet Holes’
The deputy, however, quickly noticed that the vehicle had “14 fresh bullet holes,” the MCSO alleged. The suspect, who was later identified as 26-year-old Martin Zuniga Jr., told the deputy that he had been involved in a road rage incident near Novato.
Next, the law enforcement agent attempted to pat Zuniga down for weapons and to obtain his statement. However, the 26-year-old is accused of becoming uncooperative with the deputy, choosing to stay inside his car.
Eventually, Zuniga chose to flee the scene, the MCSO said. The deputy attempted to catch up with him, but the pursuit was called off, citing unsafe speeds over the Golden Gate Bridge.
Car Recovered, Suspect Located
Later in the day, the San Francisco Police Department found the vehicle that the deputy had encountered earlier. It was recovered unoccupied.
At around 6 p.m., Zuniga was located in downtown Novato. He was immediately placed under arrest.
While being arrested, deputies allegedly found a loaded .40 Caliber pistol with a high-capacity magazine in his possession. Additionally, the sheriff’s office said that deputies found suspected cocaine.
Driver Charged
Martin Zuniga Jr. was booked into the Marin County Jail. He is charged with reckless evading, violently resisting law enforcement, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, addict in possession of a firearm, and possession of a controled substance while armed.
If convicted of his reckless evading charge, he could face up to three years behind bars. Public records show that his bail was set at $35,000, and he remains in custody.
The case remains under investigation by the MCSO. Currently, the sheriff’s office is asking for information regarding the road rage incident and shooting that occurred before the traffic stop described above.
No mugshot was made public by the MCSO or is available in public records.