Three states, three stolen vehicles and several gunshots later, suspect was taken into custody in Virginia.
(Photo courtesy Rockingham County, Virginia)
Gaithersburg, MD – Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are investigating a series of crimes that began with a hit-and-run collision and escalated to a home invasion and pursuit.
On Monday, January 27, 2025, at approximately 4:31 a.m., Gaithersburg Police, Montgomery County Police, and Montgomery County Fire & Rescue responded to a hit-and-run collision at Route 355 and Watkins Mill Road. Witnesses reported seeing a Hispanic male and a small child walking away from a Toyota Scion. A registration check revealed that the Scion had been reported stolen from New York City on January 26, 2025.
A short time later, at approximately 5:50 a.m., a resident in the 1300 block of Travis View Court in Gaithersburg reported that their silver 2015 Kia Forte had been stolen from in front of their home.
At 9:20 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 22000 block of Davis Mill Road in Germantown for a reported home invasion. The victim told police that he was inside his home when he heard a noise and went to investigate. He found a Hispanic male, approximately 30-40 years old, with a shaved head, short beard, wearing dark pants and a black coat. The suspect was with a 4-year-old girl wearing a pink jacket. The suspect stated that his daughter needed to use the bathroom.
The suspect, armed with a weapon, stole personal items, food, and drinks before taking the victim’s red 2002 GMC Sierra pickup truck. The victim reported the incident, and investigators determined that the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Esmeraldo Martinez De La Cruz, and his 4-year-old daughter, Luna Martinez, had been reported missing from New York City.
At approximately 3 p.m., officers in Bridgewater, VA, located the stolen GMC Sierra and attempted to stop the vehicle. Martinez drove northbound on Interstate 81, while firing multiple shots at officers. The pursuit continued for nearly 60 miles before the GMC Sierra crashed into a guardrail near the Shenandoah/Frederick County, Virginia, line.
Martinez was taken into custody by Virginia State Police without incident. His daughter was evaluated by Fire Rescue at the scene and had no injuries. No officers or civilians were injured during the pursuit or shooting. Montgomery County Police officers were not involved in the pursuit.
Martinez has been charged in Virginia with multiple counts of attempted-murder of a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, and child neglect. He also faces charges in Montgomery County, including home invasion, armed robbery, auto theft, and neglect of a minor, among other offenses.
Martinez is currently being held at the Rockingham County Regional Jail in Virginia.
