A road rage incident near Haines City on Saturday, June 7, 2025, has led to the arrest of a Dundee man, Joseph Martinez, 35, who is now charged with Attempted 2nd Degree Murder after allegedly firing a handgun at another vehicle.
At approximately 4:13 p.m., Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies responded to reports of a shooting near the intersection of Lake Hatchineha Road and HL Smith Road.
Joseph Martinez was the first to contact the PCSO, claiming he had accidentally discharged his firearm in his vehicle, shattering his front passenger side window. He stated that while holding his firearm and steering, a black Toyota Celica swerved in front of him, forcing him to hit the brakes and inadvertently fire his gun.
However, as the investigation progressed, deputies received a call from the other driver involved in the incident and proceeded to Poinciana to speak with him. The Toyota driver told deputies that he had been passing a slower Hyundai sedan, which he believed angered its driver (Martinez). He stated that the Hyundai then began aggressively tailgating his Toyota.
The Toyota driver admitted to brake-checking Martinez in an attempt to get him to back off. This action, he said, escalated the situation, and he soon heard a gunshot, immediately followed by his own vehicle’s window shattering.
Based on these details, detectives determined that Joseph Martinez intentionally fired his gun at the victim. Fortunately, the victim was not injured.
Martinez was subsequently booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with Attempted 2nd Degree Murder.
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