KY police arrest man with ICE detainer who allegedly drove drunk, jumped from ambulance
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Man with ICE detainer allegedly caused drunk-driving crash on KY-34.
- Witness followed and reported impaired driving; two occupants injured.
- Suspect admitted drinking; arrested for aggravated DUI, endangerment, no license.
A man with a U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement detainer allegedly caused a crash while driving drunk in Kentucky Tuesday, according to the Boyle County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash happened in Boyle County on KY 34 near Old Bridge Road. The sheriff’s office said when deputies arrived at the scene, a witness told them they smelled alcohol coming from one of the drivers, and a first responder reported the driver allegedly admitted he had been drinking.
The driver, Ricardo Martinez, 40, was lying on the ground being treated by EMS when deputies arrived, according to court documents.
Another witness spoke with deputies and said she had followed Martinez from Nicholasville, fearing he was intoxicated and would cause a wreck, according to court documents. The witness reportedly blew her horn several times trying to get Martinez’s attention, but he kept driving.
The witness saw Martinez enter into the path of another vehicle, causing a collision. Court documents say there were two occupants in the other vehicle, and both were taken to a hospital. The sheriff’s office said their injuries weren’t serious or life-threatening.
Martinez was also taken to a hospital for evaluation. The sheriff’s office said while en route to the hospital, Martinez jumped out of the ambulance and attempted to flee near Seminole Trail.
The Danville Police Department quickly located Martinez and arrested him.
He is charged with aggravated DUI, driving with no operator’s license and two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment. Court documents say he admitted to drinking four beers.
Martinez is being held at the Boyle County Detention Center on an ICE detainer and the charges related to the crash, according to the sheriff’s office. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Boyle District Court Tuesday, Dec. 16.
The detainer means federal officials have probable cause to suspect someone is in the country illegally, and they can be turned over to ICE when their case is resolved.
Nothing else is known about Martinez, including information about his attorney.
