Man flees police with infant in car

Jhonny E. Martinez, 20, of 191 Washington St., was arrested for reckless endangerment following a police chase through Baldwin on Friday, April 8, detectives from the First Squad said.

According to police, a first precinct officer was on patrol when he saw the defendant, Martinez, fail to signal for a lane change while heading west on Sunrise Highway. The officer stopped the vehicle on Croyden Drive, and as he approached on foot, the defendant sped off. The officer followed the defendant into Freeport where he drove through an intersection at Merrick Road and South Long Beach Road. Martinez then became involved in an accident, striking an MTA bus, a 2007 BMW, a 2001 Nissan and a 1998 Ford. The only injury reported was a minor injury to the driver of the Ford. Martinez was placed under arrest at the scene. 

During the investigation it was determined that the license plates on the car had been reported stolen on April 2. Police also discovered the defendant had his 7-month-old daughter in the car. The child was transported to an area hospital for evaluation and released to her mother.

Martinez has been charged with reckless endangerment first degree, assault third degree, criminal possession of stolen property fifth degree, four counts of criminal mischief fourth degree, unlawful fleeing of a police officer third degree, endangering the welfare of a child, reckless driving and 26 moving violations. He was arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on April 9.