A 33-year-old 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 active lanes of traffic during an enforcement stop.
The March 21 incident, according to a SBSD news release, occurred just before 2 a.m. near 5 Mile Road and Interstate 40 in Needles, a town in Southern California’s Mojave Desert along the Colorado River.
Authorities said deputies from the sheriff’s Colorado River Station asked the suspect, Riverside resident Nathan Martinez, to do a field sobriety test after they observed signs of impairment.
Authorities with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Dept. claim a 33-year-old Riverside man suspected of DUI pushed a deputy into traffic on Interstate 40 on March 21, 2026. (Google Maps)
“As Martinez exited the vehicle, he became uncooperative and combative,” investigators allege. “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-trucks passed in close proximity, creating a significant safety hazard for both the deputy and Martinez.”
Officials said the deputy managed to regain control and get Martinez into handcuffs and called for emergency medical personnel to respond to the scene to treat the 33-year-old for injuries sustained during the apparent struggle.
Authorities with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Dept. claim a 33-year-old Riverside man suspected of DUI pushed a deputy into traffic on Interstate 40 on March 21, 2026. (Google Maps)
“During medical treatment, Martinez continued to be combative,” investigators stated.
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He was later arrested and booked into the High Desert Detention Center for attempted murder and remains in custody on $1 million bail.
No information was provided on whether any deputies involved in the incident suffered any injuries.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact SBSD Deputy R. Goff at the Colorado River Sheriff’s Station at 760-326-9200. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at 800-78-CRIME or leave tips online at www.wetip.com.
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