By Jim Emerson
HAYWARD — Two Hayward residents in custody face multiple charges for a freeway
shooting in August. Maria R. Martinez, 43, and Elias N. Jimenez, 22, are behind bars
at Alameda County Santa Rita Jail.
The shooting happened August 6 on Interstate 880. Gunshots were fired shortly before 8
p.m., north of the Washington Avenue exit in San Leandro. Martinez and Jimenez allegedly
fired these shots at a vehicle traveling northbound.
The vehicle hit by gunfire was occupied by one adult and a minor. Both victims sustained
injuries when it crashed and caught on fire. Neither victim was hit by any of the bullets.
Both suspects were arrested on August 15. Martinez was taken into custody at 7:10 a.m.,
followed by Jimenez at 7:15 a.m. Jimenez is ineligible for release on bond. Martinez remains
in custody in lieu of $200,000 bond.
In a prepared statement the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office said. “Jimenez and
Martinez are charged with one count of attempted murder and assault with a semiautomatic
firearm. Each is charged with shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, possession of a large
capacity magazine, among other charges.
The statement explains the charges include enhancements to reflect the serious of these
crimes. In addition, Jimenez is charged with special allegations for use of a loaded and
unregistered firearm. Altogether Jimenez faces 20 charges.
Martinez faces a total of 14 charges. She is no stranger to law enforcement Martinez has
been arrested seven times since 2015. Her prior arrests involved battery, petty theft, DUIs
and public intoxication.
