A Florida Keys man remained in the Marion County Jail on Monday after leading deputies on a wild chase on County Road 484 in Ocala last week.
Raymond Joe Martinez, 34, of Marathon, was charged with fleeing a law-enforcement officer with lights and siren active, possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted Florida felon, possession of drug equipment, and a warrant out of Monroe County for numerous probation violations.
Marion County sheriff’s deputies were on the lookout Wednesday night for a black Dodge Charger that was driving recklessly and nearly ran a fire/rescue unit off the road. A deputy saw the vehicle traveling eastbound at an excessive speed and was nearly hit by it on CR 484. While he was attempting to catch up to the Charger, the deputy saw it run a solid red light at the intersection of CR 484 and SW Highway 200, according to the sheriff’s office report.
Another deputy had to leave the paved surface of road to avoid a collision with the vehicle. The deputies chased the vehicle, which was traveling 60 to 70 mph in a 55-mph zone, with their lights and sirens active. The driver of the vehicle tried to cut through a grassy area adjacent to the intersection of CR 484 and Marion Oaks Pass, losing control and almost hitting another car. The vehicle crossed over Marion Oaks Pass and collided with a tree after spinning out on the shoulder, the report said.
Deputies removed Martinez, who was the driver and sole occupant, from the vehicle. During an inventory search of the vehicle, they located a broken glass pipe that contained a steel wool-like substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, and five 9mm rounds of ammunition, according to the report.
A computer check revealed that Martinez has several prior felony convictions and there was a violation of parole warrant for his arrest out of Monroe County. Martinez is being held on $22,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Marion County Court on Aug. 20.