CORAL GABLES, Fla. – A man was arrested after striking a police officer while fleeing from authorities on Monday.
Police said the suspect, identified as Rogelio Marten, 32, robbed the owner of a landscaping company in the area around noon.
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Marten allegedly drove up to the woman's car and stole two lawn blowers and put them in the back of a black Nissan Murano.
"She went up to challenge him -- actually was able to pull the blowers out of the car, a struggle ensued and he gave up and fled," Denham said.
Police said the victim was able to get a tag number and detectives traced the license plate number to the man's home.
Police said around 2:20 p.m. they saw Marten attempting to sell the stolen items in the 4400 block of Northwest Ninth Street. When officers tried to arrest Marten he fled from the area, injuring the officer.
Denham said police followed Marten to the area of Antilla Avenue and Douglas Road, where he crashed into a vehicle and then into a tree. She said he tried to run away on foot and was stopped after officers stunned him with a Taser.
Marten was taken into custody. He is charged with burglary, strong armed robbery, aggravated battery on a police officer, fleeing and eluding, resisting with violence, grand theft, leaving the scene of a crash and driving on a suspended license.
Marten is being held on $45,000 bond.
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