On May 15, at 2:10 a.m., the City of Carlsbad Police Department received several 911 calls of a vehicle striking multiple pedestrians in the parking lot at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive.

When officers arrived, they learned that a male was involved in a fight with several people in the parking lot. The male then returned to his vehicle and drove his car into a crowd of pedestrians, striking several people. The male then reversed his vehicle into another crowd, striking more pedestrians and fled the scene.

Four pedestrians required medical attention at local area hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.  

Detectives identified 19-year-old John Jason Martinez-Gutierrez from Spokane, Washington as the suspect. An arrest warrant for Martinez-Gutierrez was issued for one count of attempt murder and six counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

On May 17, with the assistance of the Escondido Police Department, Carlsbad Police detectives arrested Martinez-Gutierrez at a local motel in Escondido. Martinez-Gutierrez was booked at the Vista Detention Facility on the issued arrest warrant; he is currently in custody and is not eligible for bail.   

How many pedestrians were hit by Martinez-Gutierrez and the cause of the initial dispute is still under investigation. Detectives are seeking additional witnesses, or anyone with additional information. Please contact Sergeant Jim Willis, 442-339-5679 or james.willis@carlsbadca.gov       

For more information
Sergeant Jim Willis, 442-339-5679 or james.willis@carlsbadca.gov       

Police media contact
Jodee Reyes, Public Information Officer, jodee.reyes@carlsbadca.gov