VISTA: Two men plead not guilty in alleged attack on deputies

By EDWARD SIFUENTES esifuentes@nctimes.com
July 21, 2011 5:49 pm

Two men arrested on suspicion of attacking sheriff's deputies in Vista pleaded not guilty to charges related to the incident Thursday afternoon at the Vista courthouse.

The case stems from a reported melee Tuesday morning that started when a sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle in the 200 block of Civic Center Drive, according to authorities. As the deputy was citing the driver, 51-year-old Ismael Martinez Baltazar, for not being licensed, the man allegedly began using his cell phone to call people to come to his aid, according to the Sheriff's Department.

Martinez Baltazar allegedly began striking the deputy on the hand when he was asked to stop calling.

When the deputy attempted to arrest Martinez Baltazar, the passenger in the vehicle, Francisco Martinez, 69, allegedly got out of the car and attacked the deputy, according to authorities.

A short time later, a group of about 25 people, most of them relatives of the driver, showed up. Eventually seven people, including the driver and the passenger, where arrested on various charges.

Francisco Martinez pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of resisting an officer and a misdemeanor charge of battery upon an officer, according to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office. Another man, Fernando Martinez, 26, one of the driver's relatives who responded to his call, pleaded not guilty Thursday to misdemeanor charges of remaining at the scene of a riot and obstructing a police officer.

Francisco Martinez is mentally disabled, according to members of the Martinez family, who declined to speak further to reporters Thursday on the advice of an attorney. Francisco Martinez, who is not a member of the family, could face deportation because he is an illegal immigrant.

Immigration authorities placed a hold on Francisco Martinez and Fernando Martinez. That means both men could face deportation proceedings once their court cases are over.

Deputy District Attorney Brock Arstill declined to discuss the case.

During the struggle Tuesday morning, the deputy used a stun gun to shock Francisco Martinez.

Soon after, more deputies arrived at the scene to help arrest the two men. A group of about 25 people also arrived to help the two men. Some of the individuals attempted to free the driver but quickly dispersed when deputies started arresting people, according to the Sheriff's Department.

Francisco Martinez was taken to the hospital for treatment but he did not appear to be injured Thursday in court. He did not speak during the arraignment.

Martinez Baltazar, who is a U.S. citizen, faces a felony charge of resisting an officer and a misdemeanor charge of battery upon an officer. He was released on bail and is scheduled to be arraigned July 27, according to court records.

*Editor's note: Due to the high volume of abusive comments on previous related stories, commenting for this story is closed.

Contact staff writer Edward Sifuentes at 760-740-3511

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