A Sunday afternoon traffic stop in Vinton County escalated into a pursuit, child endangerment charges, and an unexpected twist involving immigration authorities.
Deputies with the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office attempted to pull over a vehicle on State Route 32. The driver, identified as 50-year-old Osman Donay Rodriguez Martinez of New York, refused to stop and led officers on a chase through Vinton County before finally coming to a halt in neighboring Jackson County.
Martinez was arrested for fleeing and eluding, obstructing official business, and child endangerment. A female passenger and her child were also detained. Deputies discovered the woman was an undocumented immigrant from Honduras with deportation papers issued in New Jersey.
However, in a surprising turn of events, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) declined to take custody of the woman. Deputies were instructed to release her, leaving the Vinton County Prosecutor with the responsibility of the case.
“This is a complex situation with layers of federal and state jurisdiction,” said Vinton County Sheriff Timothy Law. “We are working closely with the Prosecutor’s Office to navigate the legalities and ensure the safety of all involved, including the child.”
Martinez is expected to appear in Vinton County Court for a bond hearing later this week. The fate of the female passenger and her child remains unclear.
Key points:
- Traffic stop on State Route 32 turns into pursuit.
- Driver arrested for fleeing, obstructing official business, and child endangerment.
- Female passenger identified as undocumented immigrant with deportation papers.
- ICE declines custody of woman, leaving local authorities to handle the case.
- Driver faces bond hearing this week.
