Texas Car Salesman Kidnapped, Beaten During Test Drive

Houston police are seeking two men after a car salesman was abducted and attacked during a test drive, but managed to text his boss for help.

Police say one of the men pulled a gun during Monday night's test drive.

The salesman, identified by NBC affiliate KPRC as Jose Martinez, was forced into the trunk but texted his manager, then freed himself using an emergency latch.

Police say Martinez wrestled a gun from one of the attackers and opened fire as the two men drove off.

He dropped his gun. He was trying to pull it out. I just picked up and shot at him and I think I hit him right up here," Martinez said to KPRC, gesturing to his shoulder.

Officers aren't sure if either was wounded.

"While he was fighting, one of them had a gun and he dropped it. Jose picked it up and shot him," Melissa Martinez, Jose's mother, told KPRC.

Martinez intentionally left his smartphone in the trunk, turning on a tracking app to help police find the stolen car, which hit another vehicle before both attackers ran, according to the station.

"That's Jose," Melissa said. "He's very fast. He thinks of something really quick."

Authorities say Martinez is expected to make a full recovery.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us