JULIAN–Beginning in August of this year, deputies assigned to the Sheriff’s Julian Substation became aware of a series of theft related crimes occurring in the 5600 block of Eagle Peak Road.
The victims of these crimes were outdoorsmen enjoying activities in the surrounding Cleveland National Forest. Deputies utilized various investigative techniques in an attempt to identify the person responsible.
On November 6, Sheriff’s Deputy Craig Rembold was contacted by an individual who had been hunting in the area the evening before. The hunter reported he had been on National Forest land, but was accused of trespassing by a local land owner. During the subsequent conversation, the land owner punched the hunter in the face. The hunter suffered significant injuries as a result of the blow, including a temporary loss of consciousness. The hunter’s walking route was tracked by his GPS, and it confirmed he did not cross onto private property. During the investigation, Deputy Rembold identified the offending land owner as 54-year-old Frank Martinez.
On November 14, deputies contacted Martinez during a traffic stop on Highway 78 near Santa Ysabel. The deputies arrested Martinez for battery resulting in serious injury. He was found to be armed with a loaded handgun at the time of his arrest. Deputies booked him into the San Diego Central Jail for the battery and firearm violations.
This investigation is ongoing, but it is currently undetermined if Martinez was involved in the original theft series.
Anyone who has had similar experiences with Martinez, or has been a victim of unreported thefts in the area is encouraged to contact Deputy Rembold at the Julian Substation at (760)787-2243.
