ESCONDIDO–A documented gang member who fatally shot his brother during a physical altercation with a patron at an Escondido bar was identified, the Escondido Police Department said.
The deceased victim has been identified as Antonio Martinez. He is the 35-year-old brother of the suspect, Manuel Martinez, 32, of Escondido.
Martinez was booked into Vista Jail for the charges of murder, attempted murder, possession of a weapon to commit an assault, carrying a loaded firearm in public, gang member possessing a firearm, possession of a controlled substance for sales, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and resisting arrest.
Martinez was a wanted suspect in three other violent crimes committed in Escondido since October, 2017. Police officers have been actively searching for him since that time. He was deported from the U.S. six times, the latest being August 3, 2016. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been searching for him for illegal re-entry into the United States since October, 2017.
On September 22, shortly before 1 a.m., Manuel and Antonio Martinez left Pounders bar, located in the 100 block of West Grand Avenue, in a vehicle at a high rate of speed causing the tires to lose traction. A bar patron yelled at the vehicle occupants for the exhibition of speed. A short time later, Manuel and Antonio returned to confront that same patron. Manuel pointed a firearm at the patron as Antonio punched and attacked the patron. A third party intervened and grabbed ahold of Antonio to break up the fight. Manuel fired two rounds striking Antonio and the third party who had intervened.
Once police officers arrived, witnesses pointed out the suspect to officers. The officers chased him on foot for several blocks and after a brief struggle, took him into custody.
Antonio died from his gunshot wound. The third party suffered non-life threatening injuries.
The third party victim did not know Antonio or Manuel Martinez and does not have any gang ties.