DATE/TIME: Saturday, March 21, 2026, at approximately 1:49 a.m.
INCIDENT: PC 664/187 - Attempted Murder
LOCATION: Five Mile Rd. / Interstate 40, Needles, CA
SUSPECT(S): Nathan Martinez, 33-years-old, Resident of Riverside
VICTIM(S): San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy
SUMMARY: On Saturday, March 21, 2026, at approximately 1:49 a.m., deputies from the Colorado River Station/Needles Police Department conducted a traffic stop near Five Mile Rd. and Interstate 40. Upon contact with the driver, Nathan Martinez, deputies observed signs consistent with impairment and asked Martinez to exit the vehicle to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.
As Martinez exited the vehicle, he became uncooperative and combative. During the encounter, Martinez turned towards the deputy and forcefully pushed him into active lanes of traffic on Interstate 40. While the altercation was ongoing, two semi-trucks passed in close proximity, creating a significant safety hazard for both the deputy and Martinez.
Despite continued resistance, the deputy was able to regain control and place Martinez into handcuffs. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and Martinez was treated for injuries sustained during the incident. During medical treatment, Martinez continued to be combative. Martinez was subsequently arrested and transported to the High Desert Detention Center for booking. Martinez remains in the custody of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department on $1,000000.00 bail, awaiting a court hearing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Deputy R. Goff at the Colorado River Station / Needles Police Department at (760) 326-9200. Those wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at (844) 909-3006 or text "REPORT". You many also leave information online using the link:
https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.
For press releases, news, and information, follow the Colorado River Station on Facebook and/or Instagram at SBCSDColoradoRiverStation or X @CORiverStation.
Refer: Deputy R. Goff
Station: Colorado River Station
Phone No. (760)326-9200
Case No. 212600251
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
