A 53-year-old Charlotte, TN man was arraigned in Gosper County Court Friday morning following a pursuit Wednesday night. Among the charges faced by Jeffrey Martin is Attempted Assault on an Officer while Using a Motor Vehicle, a Class IIa Felony, which carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison and no minimum penalty. Other charges include Flight to Avoid Arrest, Obstructing a Peace Officer and Willful Reckless Driving. When Judge Jeff Wightman asked whether he understood the charges, Martin replied “completely and totally”.
Gosper County Attorney Beverly Bogle-Louthan was heard on bond. She said Martin has no ties to the state of Nebraska. She said he would also be a danger to the public due to his alleged driving.
Judge Wightman noted that Martin fit some of the criteria he is required to consider when setting bond. He said the charges indicate Martin is a danger to the community and is a flight risk.
Judge Wightman set Martin’s bond at 10% of $100,000. Martin indicated he intended to hire his own attorney. His next hearing was set for June 30, 2023 at 11:00am in the Gosper County Courthouse.
The charges stem from an attempted traffic stop in Elwood. The vehicle, a Dodge Charger, fled the community southbound on Highway 283 at speeds of 105 mph or more. At one point, the vehicle, allegedly driven by Martin, turned around on the highway and drove into the oncoming lane towards a Gosper County Sheriff’s vehicle causing the driver, Sheriff Jesse Naputi to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
An arrest affidavit indicates the vehicle stopped a few miles later and parked blocking both directions of traffic on the highway. The suspect, Martin, got out of the vehicle and refused to comply with officers orders. A taser was then deployed to assist in taking him into custody.
