Seth L. Martin

How they died

Deadly force

Corporals John E. Christensen and Kevin G. Haywood, Sergeant Dale E. Knox, and trooper Eric R. Kolb; PCSD deputy Joshua Quimby shot Seth L. Martin after he reportedly drove over two sets of spike strips and began firing at officers during a high-speed chase. According to the patrol, Christensen tried to stop Martin's Dodge pickup in in Buchanan County for speeding just after 10:30 p.m. on I-29, but he didn't pull over. A 20-minute chase ensued and Christensen was joined by Kolb and Quimby. Martin eventually stopped his truck and allegedly grabbed an Armalite M15A2 rifle, got out and shot at the officers, who returned fire. Officials said that Martin ran up an embankment on the west side of the freeway, where he sat facing the officers and appeared to be doing something with his weapon. After about a 30-second pause, Martin allegedly lifted and aimed his rifle at the officers and began to fire. Officers returned fire, striking Martin eight times including two shots to his head. Martin died at a hospital at 5:45 the next morning.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Seth L. Martin, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources