Man accused of driving under the influence, assaulting police K9 after pursuit

A man is behind bars after allegedly driving under the influence, leading police on a pursuit, and attacking a K9.

Robert Martini, 52, was arrested Friday night at a parking lot in Palm Springs.

According to the Palm Springs Police Department, at approximately 10:44 p.m., an officer saw a vehicle being driven erratically, almost striking two parked vehicles. The officer suspected the driver, later identified as Martini, was driving under the influence. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle but Martini did not yield and a pursuit began.

Martini eventually pulled over in the area of Airlane Drive and East Plaimor Avenue. The department said Martini refused to obey the officers' commands to exit the vehicle and instead, attempted to avoid arrest again by driving away.

Martini stopped a second time in a parking lot in the 400 block of South Farrell Drive. According to PSPD, he once again refused to obey officers' commands. This time, a Palm Springs Police K9 was "deployed successfully." However, during the process of detaining Martini, he assaulted the Police K9.

The Police K9 and officers involved in the incident were not injured.

Martini sustained moderate injuries to his arm from the K9 apprehension, according to PSPD. He was transported to the hospital for treatment.

PSPD revealed that their investigation showed Martini was driving under the influence of drugs.

Martini was arrested for Felony Evading Police, Assault of a Police K9, Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, and Resisting a peace officer.