Man linked to deadly pursuit crash in Placentia is undocumented, officials say

The man accused of killing an innocent driver during a police pursuit in Orange County is facing additional charges for also injuring an elderly woman while being held in the custody of immigration officials.

Darwin Felipe Bahmon Martinez, who pleaded not guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter, evading a police officer causing death and reckless driving, was held on $2 million bail and had an immigration detainer against him as of Thursday.

The chase initially began on Jan. 24 when officers on patrol saw Martinez behind the wheel of a dark-colored Jeep Gladiator driving recklessly and nearly colliding with a parked car, according to police.

After refusing to pull over, Martinez took off, but he soon crashed into additional cars in Placentia.

A 83-year-old woman behind the wheel of one of the cars was taken to an area hospital without major injuries.

The man in the other car was killed in the collision and was identified as 59-year-old Jose Antonio Ramos Hernandez. He was described as a beloved father.

The Los Angeles filed officer of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed Thursday that Martinez is from Colombia, and that he “illegally entered the U.S. near Chula Vista in August 2023.”

ICE officials said they lodged an immigration detainer against Martinez the day after the fatal crash.

Martinez’s preliminary hearing was set for March 16. The family members of the deceased victim were expected to attend the hearing.