Armed Man Surrenders after Four-Hour Standoff with Sheriff’s Deputies
Enrique Martinez
Enrique Martinez

On Sunday evening, witnesses reported that an intoxicated man, possibly armed with a handgun, was threatening people in the 2600 block of Cortez Street in El Rio. Numerous law enforcement personnel from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and Oxnard Police Department responded to the area within minutes. The area was contained, effected residents were evacuated, and specialty units such as the Sheriff’s SWAT and Tactical Negotiations Unit arrived on scene.

Shortly after the incident began (approximately 6:22 pm), the suspect, Enrique Monarrez Martinez, entered an SUV parked on the street and a four-hour standoff began. As part of a SWAT operation, a Sheriff’s robot approached the vehicle and shattered one of the windows of the SUV. Martinez surrendered shortly thereafter.

A small caliber handgun was recovered from inside the vehicle. Martinez was arrested for numerous violations including, criminal threats, possession of a concealed firearm, being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, exhibiting a deadly weapon, and vandalism over $400. Martinez was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility and is currently in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Location: 2600 Block of Cortez Street, El Rio
Date & Time: July 11, 2010 @ 6:15 pm
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Headquarters Station
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (Witnesses) Age City of Residence
(S) Enrique Monarrez Martinez 27 El Rio

Officer Preparing Release: Captain Ross Bonfiglio, Sheriff’s PIO (805) 654-2417
vcsd.media@ventura.org
Follow-up Contact: Captain Ross Bonfiglio, Sheriff’s PIO (805) 654-2417
vcsd.media@ventura.org
Approved By: Captain Dave Murray
Date of Release: July 12, 2010