NEEDLES, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> A Riverside man suspected of driving under the influence was booked for attempted murder after authorities claimed he pushed a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy into Interstate 40 lanes of traffic during an enforcement stop.
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, at approximately 1:49am, according to a SBSD news release, the incident happened on Interstate 40 near 5 Mile Road exit in the town of Needles, a town next the Colorado River.
Upon contact with the driver, 33-years-old Nathan Martinez, deputies observed signs consistent with impairment and asked Martinez to exit his 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 tractor trailers 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 million dollar bail, awaiting a court hearing.
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