SALT LAKE CITY — A Tooele man wanted for attempted murder, was taken into custody in California Monday.
For the past four months, the Utah Department of Public Safety, State Bureau of Investigation, in conjunction with the U.S. Marshals Service, worked to locate 33-year-old Saul Martinez after he allegedly fired at an off-duty Salt Lake City Airport police officer while assisting a stranded motorist.
On July 8, the officer was helping a motorist who was pulled off onto the shoulder of State Route 201 near 8500 West. As the officer and motorist were getting back into the vehicle, officials say, Martinez fired several rounds through the passenger-side window at both the motorist and police officer.
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No one was injured during the incident and Martinez fled the scene immediately after, according to a press release from the Department of Public Safety.
A warrant was issued for Martinez’s arrest. He was wanted on attempted murder, felony discharge of a firearm, possession of a dangerous weapon and aggravated assault.
The U.S. Marshals Service’s Violent Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team took over the investigation soon after the incident. According to the release, the search shifted to the Los Angeles area where the Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force took up the case.
After hours of surveillance and investigative leads, Martinez was taken into custody Monday at the 3700 block of Maple Ave.
Martinez is currently being held in Los Angeles awaiting his extradition hearing.
