By Bay City News
A jury has convicted a Salinas man of multiple charges, including evading police, illegal firearm possession, and resisting arrest, the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Jesse David Martinez, 43, was present for jury selection but failed to appear for the rest of the trial, the DA’s office said. He was convicted in absentia.
A warrant has been issued for his arrest, prosecutors said.
The case stems from a traffic stop in Monterey on Jun. 20, 2024, when Martinez was reportedly pulled over for having a tinted license plate cover.
Martinez fled from the police, leading officers on a dangerous chase through downtown, a news release issued Thursday noted.
Due to his reckless driving, officers called off the pursuit, prosecutors said. He was later found and arrested.
Martinez admitted to having a firearm during the chase and throwing it into Lake El Estero, the DA’s office noted.
A dive team recovered the loaded gun.
He faces sentencing once apprehended.