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Salt Lake City Police release details, video after man dies after arrest for domestic violence incident

Posted at 2:27 PM, May 06, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-06 16:27:08-04

SALT LAKE CITY – Police have released video and additional details after a man died while in police custody following a domestic violence incident.

Salt Lake City Police responded to an apartment on April 7 after a woman called 911 to report she was being held against her will by 38-year-old Robert Martinez.

Police arrived and attempted to make contact with Mr. Martinez, who at first refused to open the door.

But after negotiating with him for nearly half an hour, Martinez finally allowed officers inside. The woman, meanwhile, was safe outside and speaking with other officers.

Martinez was then placed in handcuffs and informed he was being arrested for domestic violence-aggravated assault.

Then, as he was being led down the apartment stairway, he either fell, tripped or jumped and landed on the pavement about 10 feet below.

Medical personnel arrived and rushed him to local hospital.

Martinez suffered extensive brain and head trauma and wound up passing away nearly two weeks later on April 20.

This became an officer involved critical incident because Mr. Martinez was in handcuffs at the time.

This remains an open and active investigation. This particular incident was the 922nd time Salt Lake City Police have responded to a domestic violence incident this year already.

Support is available 24/7 in Utah for those dealing with domestic violence. Visit the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition online or call 1-800-897-5465 for resources and assistance. In an emergency, dial 911.