Franklin Square, NY - September 22, 2013 - According to police, a Fourth Precinct police officer had taken a 40 year old male into custody for driving with a suspended license and placed him in the rear of a marked police vehicle at Hempstead Turnpike and Euston Road. The officer then entered the car and was seated in the drivers seat when the vehicle was struck in the rear by a 2001 Hyundai traveling westbound on Hempstead Turnpike. Subsequent investigation revealed the operator, Jose Martinez, age 22 of 1014 Phoebe Street was operating under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and he was taken into custody. Police then recovered two bags of a substance believed to be marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the center console of the defendant’s vehicle. The Hyundai was then impounded. The officer and 40 year old male were removed to a local hospital where they were treated and released. The male was then transported to the Fourth Precinct where his arrest processing was completed.
Martinez was charged with Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree, two counts of Driving While Intoxicated, Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and several violations of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. He will be arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Monday, September 23, 2013.