Authorities in Searcy County have arrested two men suspected of being in the country illegally, one of whom injured a deputy during an attempted escape. According to a probable cause affidavit from the Searcy County Sheriff’s Office, the arrests occurred early Tuesday morning following a traffic stop in Leslie.
The driver of the vehicle, 20-year-old David Martinez of Little Rock, is facing multiple charges, including a felony count of second-degree battery on a law enforcement officer. The passenger, identified as 22-year-old Josue Guevara of Little Rock, was taken into custody without incident and has since been turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The incident began when a deputy observed a vehicle with a defective headlight and initiated a traffic stop. During questioning, the deputy learned that neither Martinez nor Guevara had identification, passports, or documentation for the vehicle, such as insurance or registration. Martinez identified himself as being from Nicaragua, while Guevara stated he was from Honduras.
The deputy suspected both men were undocumented and contacted an ICE agent, who spoke with Martinez and Guevara. ICE officials later confirmed that both men were in the country illegally and requested their extradition.
As the deputy informed Martinez that he was under arrest and asked him to exit the vehicle, Martinez fled on foot. The deputy pursued and tackled him after a short chase. Martinez reportedly resisted arrest, slipping away and attempting to stand before the deputy restrained him again. A Marshall police officer arrived at the scene and warned Martinez he would use a taser if Martinez did not comply. Martinez then surrendered and was taken into custody. The deputy suffered minor injuries to his knees, right hand, and elbow during the altercation.
Guevara, who did not resist during the stop, was handed over to immigration officials. Martinez remains in the Searcy County Jail on a federal immigration detainer and without bond. He faces multiple charges, including second-degree battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing on foot, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental operations, and several misdemeanor traffic violations for lack of insurance, defective equipment, and driving without a license.