Mental evaluation ordered for aggressive driver

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, December 3, 2002

A Florida man in custody for aggressive driving was ordered to have a psychiatric examination to determine if he can stand trial Monday.

Kenneth Douglas Martinez, 44, who has a Florida driver’s license but no known address, was charged with three counts of assault, reckless driving and speeding.

According to a criminal complaint, Martinez, driving a Honda SUV, hit a semi, struck another car, tried to run over a passenger who offered assistance, and chased after another car and hit the rear bumper at nearly 100 mph on Interstate 90 between Albert Lea and Austin Nov. 16.

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The Minnesota statute defines that a defendant is incompetent to stand trial if he or she either lacks sufficient ability to consult with a reasonable degree of rational understanding with defense counsel, or is mentally ill or mentally deficient so as to be incapable of understanding the proceedings or participating in the defense.

Judge James Broberg refused a request by the defense to have the exam taken at the state institution in St. Peter, but ordered to have the exam done by a visiting doctor at the Freeborn County Jail.