VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (TCN) — A 44-year-old man will spend over two decades behind bars for assaulting his girlfriend and kidnapping her several years ago.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced that Salvador Martinez was sentenced on July 21 to 25 years and four months in state prison. Martinez pleaded guilty in April to multiple charges, including inflicting corporal injury, kidnapping, criminal threats, arson of an inhabited structure, evading an officer, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to authorities, on May 17, 2020, the defendant “violently attacked his girlfriend during an argument about her cellphone.” He reportedly “tore her clothing, punched her repeatedly, pulled her by the hair, hit her with the phone, choked her until she passed out, and pinned her down with his knees.”
Prosecutors said Martinez forced her into his vehicle, threatened her with a firearm, and repeatedly struck her as he drove. Martinez brought her to his cousin’s house, where she was able to escape and yell for help. Martinez allegedly threatened to kill her.
The defendant’s family called law enforcement, and Martinez fled before officers arrived. The victim was transported to a hospital and sustained a concussion, facial bruising, and head injuries that required staples.
On May 20, 2020, the district attorney’s office said a fire occurred at the victim’s residence, where investigators located a gas can and footage revealing a vehicle similar to Martinez’s in the area.
Authorities arrested Martinez on May 23, 2023, for domestic violence assault, and he was released on bail several days later. According to prosecutors, police saw Martinez driving on June 4 and attempted to stop him for the arson case, and a “dangerous chase” ensued. Martinez reportedly abandoned his moving vehicle and ran but was eventually taken into custody.
Deputy District Attorney Rikole Kelly said, “While the physical and emotional scars of such a brutal attack may linger, we commend the immense resilience and courage demonstrated by the victim and her family throughout this harrowing ordeal. With the resolution of this case, we hope they can now begin the process of healing and rebuilding their lives free from fear.”
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