James Martin, who has been on the run from police since November 23, for attempted murder of his wife, professional boxer Christy Martin, was captured on Tuesday, after a ground search.
Orange County Sheriff’s investigators received a tip from a citizen around 1:03 pm today, who advised that James Martin was in the area of Jeff Street and Thompson Road. This information was relayed to other units and a perimeter was established. A K-9 was brought to the area of last sighting of Martin–Jeff Street–and with a scent picked up, a more targeted search on foot began, with the aid of a helicopter.
As the search proceeded within the area of sighting, deputies received another call from a resident around 1:39 pm, in the area of the search. That individual advised that a male was seen running through the dry grass behind the residence, on Reagans Reserve.
The coordinated search effort continued until 1:50 pm, when the suspect, James Martin was flushed out and challenged to surrender.
Deputies said that, initially Martin emerged with a knife in his possession and refused initial orders to surrender and drop the knife. After additional commands Martin complied with orders to lay on the ground.
James Martin was taken into custody around 1:52 pm at 849 Thompson Road. He was transported to ORMC by the Orange County Fire Rescue for prior injuries.
The investigation is ongoing.
