Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Officer Missed Twice in Searches as Suspect Brings Gun Into Pittsburg Booking Room

Chief Phil Galer called the lapse a "serious failure" with an internal probe launched to tighten search procedures at the station

Overview

  • Police arrested Michael Arthur-Sanchez Martin on outstanding felony warrants and for allegedly driving a stolen vehicle and searched him at arrest and again at the booking facility, but officers failed to find a concealed handgun.
  • Martin hid the gun in a toilet after being placed in a holding cell, later retrieved it, wrapped it under a blanket and then assaulted Officer Jimmy Sanchez before firing one round.
  • The bullet passed through Martin’s thigh and struck Officer Sanchez in the lower abdomen below his body armor, Sanchez was taken to surgery and a third officer received minor injuries while responding officers disarmed Martin.
  • Martin was treated and transferred to the Martinez Detention Center where he is held without bail on multiple felony charges including attempted murder of a police officer.
  • The chief has opened an internal investigation and ordered immediate corrective steps to search protocols, a move that comes as county prosecutors review the case and local departments face heightened scrutiny after a separate Richmond officer shooting earlier this week.