Hailey
A quiet afternoon in Missouri turned into a dangerous situation when an off-duty deputy came face-to-face with a man linked to multiple crimes across different states.
What began as a suspicious vehicle parked in a driveway quickly led to a shootout, injuries, and a deeper investigation into the suspect’s criminal past. This article explains the entire incident in simple, clear language that anyone can understand.
The Unexpected Encounter at the Deputy’s Home
On November 16, Deputy Michael Hall, who has worked with the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office since 1997, returned to his home and noticed something unusual.
An unfamiliar car was parked in his driveway, and a man was walking away from it. Hall tried to speak with him but could not find him after a quick look around the property.
Soon after, Hall discovered something alarming: the vehicle was reported stolen from Texas. This instantly raised concern, and he remained alert for the suspect’s return.
The Suspect Identified as Dylan Martinez
The McDonald County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed the suspect as 32-year-old Dylan Martinez, an Arkansas parolee with a long history of violent and criminal behavior.
Authorities also said that Martinez had previously been in a personal relationship with someone in the area, and it ended in a hostile way. He was also connected to an arson case in Bentonville, where he reportedly tried to burn the other person’s vehicle.
Below is a simple table showing the criminal background of Dylan Martinez:
Criminal History of Dylan Martinez
| Offense | Details |
|---|---|
| Rape | Previous criminal charge |
| Robbery | Violent crime in past cases |
| Residential Burglary | Entering homes illegally |
| Theft of Property | Involved in stealing items and vehicles |
| Kidnapping | Serious charge from earlier investigations |
| Drug Possession | Controlled substance-related offense |
Earlier in November 2025, Martinez had also been arrested in Arkansas for possessing a stolen vehicle. However, instead of being kept in custody, he was released with only a criminal summons, meaning he was free to leave.
How the Shootout Happened
Later the same day, Deputy Hall saw Martinez walking back toward the stolen car. What started as a brief confrontation quickly turned dangerous.
According to the sheriff’s office, Martinez opened fire using a stolen gun. He shot Hall in the leg, injuring him seriously. Despite his wound, Hall managed to return fire and struck Martinez.
Even while hurt, Hall was able to detain the suspect and gave first aid to both himself and Martinez until emergency teams arrived.
Both men were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Deputy Hall has since been released and is recovering.
Investigation Still in Progress
The sheriff’s office confirmed that the investigation is still active. Officials have not yet said what charges Martinez will face or whether the cases will move forward in Missouri, Arkansas, or both states.
Because Martinez was already linked to multiple crimes, including attempted arson and a stolen vehicle case, authorities expect several charges to be reviewed as the investigation continues.
This violent encounter shows how quickly a normal day can turn into a life-threatening situation. An off-duty Missouri deputy found himself in a shootout with a man who carried a long criminal history across multiple states.
From stolen vehicles to past violent crimes and an arson connection, the case of Dylan Martinez highlights serious concerns about public safety.
As officials continue their investigation, communities in both Missouri and Arkansas remain focused on how this case will unfold and what consequences the suspect may face.