A man from St. Louis, who is accused of leading Montgomery County deputies on a high-speed pursuit in a stolen automobile, has been apprehended following an extensive search.
The individual, identified as Phillip Martinez, aged 47, also known by the alias Matthew McEuen, was taken into custody at the Highway Y apartments near Jonesburg on Friday.
He is facing multiple charges, including first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of burglary tools. He is currently being held in custody without the option for bail.
The search operation for Martinez was initiated on Thursday evening. According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a residence near Buell, off of Highway 161, to establish contact with Martinez in relation to a stolen vehicle case.
Upon the arrival of the deputies, Martinez entered a stolen vehicle and led them on a high-speed pursuit through the Bellflower vicinity. The pursuit came to an end when Martinez crashed the stolen vehicle on West Booneslick, close to Highway Y, in Jonesburg. He then fled on foot.
The Sheriff’s Office noted that Martinez has an extensive criminal history and is considered a repeat offender.