Police: Man arrested after intentionally hitting squad car in Rock Island

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (KWQC) - A man was arrested after police say he intentionally hit a squad car with a stolen vehicle Thursday in Rock Island.

Jacob E. Martin, 20, was taken into custody Saturday by East Moline police. Rock Island police thanked the community for their help in the arrest, according to a Facebook post.

Rock Island police saw a stolen Honda CRV being driven in the 800 block of 11th Avenue about 6:30 p.m. Thursday, according to a media release.

The driver of the stolen Honda, identified as 20-year-old Jacob E. Martin, followed the officer’s squad car, police said. He attempted to internally cause an accident and start a police chase, the officer said they attempted to avoid the situation.

According to police, Martin then intentionally hit the driver’s side of the squad car in the 1100 block of 13th Avenue.

A chase started and officers followed Martin through Rock Island, onto the Rock Island-Milan Parkway, going over 100 miles per hour, police said. With inclement weather, wet roadways, and increased potential for serious injury, officers reduced their speed, losing sight of Martin’s stolen vehicle.

According to police, Martin has tried numerous times to start a police chase over the past seven months, oftentimes swerving directly at officers on foot or in a squad car.

According to police, the investigation is ongoing.

According to police, he is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle in connection to the incident, and Martin had active warrants for his arrest for:

• aggravated unlawful use of weapons and Motor Vehicle Theft with no bond
• fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer and unlawful possession of a vehicle part knowing it to be stolen with a $50,000 bond
• burglary to a motor vehicle with a $15,000 bond
• aggravated assault with the use of a motor vehicle and theft of motor vehicle parts or accessories with a $50,000 bond
• unlawful possession of vehicle parts known to be stolen with a $75,000 bond

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