A Stover man has been formally charged with a felony for an alleged assault incident involving police officers last month in Pettis County.
A probable-cause statement says Sedalia Police officers responded to a report of a male subject acting strange and sitting in the middle of a roadway in the 400 block of East Chestnut at about 8:30 p.m. on April 18. The reporting party also said the male subject had parked a vehicle in their driveway and reportedly was noticed to be under the influence of something.
Officers noticed the male subject’s vehicle while en route and attempted a traffic stop. The male subject–later identified as 36-year-old Thomas Martinez– failed to yield and a chase ensued. Eventually, Martinez’s vehicle broke down and he refused to exit the vehicle after several commands by the officers. Officers reportedly had to deploy a taser gun and use physical force to subdue Martinez due to his combative demeanor at the time.
Online court documents say Martinez has been charged with a Class B Felony for Second-Degree Assault and a DWI misdemeanor. Bond has not been set yet.
An initial hearing for Martinez is pending at Pettis County Circuit Court.