A Bowling Green man was arrested over the weekend for an auto theft in Owensboro. On Saturday at 8:58am, Patrol Officers with the Owensboro Police Department responded to the 400 Block of West Legion Boulevard for an Auto Theft complaint. The complainant reported that an unknown subject had entered his home, stole keys to a vehicle, and fled in a white Chevrolet SUV. Patrol Units observed a
vehicle matching the description driving erratically, southbound on Frederica Street, and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle fled from officers and was located at the dead-end of a street a short time later. Officers initiated a second traffic stop and the SUV drove over a curb and into a small ditch in an attempt to further evade police units.
The subject then exited the vehicle and fled on foot northbound on JR Miller Boulevard. The subject ran up to a passing vehicle, and attempted to open the driver-side door to the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. The subject continued to flee on foot, at which time patrol officers were able to catch the subject. After a brief struggle, officers were able to apprehend the subject.
After being apprehended, the suspect was identified as 35-year-old Martin Leslie Hatfield of Bowling Green. Hatfield was identified by officers as a suspect in a separate Burglary case from 12-25-2023 and had in his possession a stolen registration plate for a vehicle from the 2900 Block of Airpark Drive. Hatfield was taken to the Owensboro Health Regional Hospital for a medical evaluation and cleared for incarceration.
Hatfield was arrested and transported to the Daviess County Detention Center on the following charges:
– Burglary 2nd Degree
– Burglary 3rd Degree (Attempt)
– Theft of Auto Over $1,000 Less than $10,000
– Fleeing or Evading Police 2nd Degree (Motor Vehicle) (2 Counts)
– Fleeing or Evading Police 2nd Degree (On Foot)
– Operating Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Controlled Substance 1st
– Theft of Motor Vehicle Registration Plate
– Resisting Arrest
– Outstanding Warrants
Hatfield has previously been charged with the following charges:
– Robbery 2nd Degree
– Burglary 1st Degree
– Theft of a Firearm
– Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
– Receiving Stolen Property Under $10,000
– Theft of Contents from a Vehicle $500 or More but Under $10,000
– Persistent Felony Offender (3 Counts)
– Intimidating a Participant in the Legal Process
– Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree
– Shoplifting Over $1,000 Less than $10,000
– Shoplifting Under $500 (3 Counts)
– False Report an Incident to Law Enforcemen
