Facebook Live video leads to arrest

A convicted felon with violent tendencies from Watertown, Conn., was arrested in Amherst June 18 after an alarming Facebook Live video, according to a media release from Amherst police.

The Amherst Police Station was contacted by Watertown Connecticut Police Department about Stevie Martinez, the release said.

Watertown police advised they were tipped off about Martinez posting on Facebook Live.

Martinez, 28, is a known felon to Watertown and they were advised he was making these post while wearing a bullet proof vest, displaying handcuffs and handling a silver in color semi-automatic handgun, the release said.

Officers located Martinez’ Facebook Page and observed the Live feed, where Martinez was verbalizing things such as “get them boys” and “do this”., the release said.

Officers set up surveillance on the room and continued to watch Facebook Live.

An investigation at the local gas station revealed Martinez had been inside purchasing items.

One of the clerks asked him why he was wearing the vest and he said “homicide detective”, the release said.

Around 8:10 a.m., officers observed Martinez exiting the Motel 6 in Amherst.

He was taken into custody and charged with having weapons under disability, impersonating an officer, inducing panic and possession of drug abuse instruments, according to the release.

Police learned the gun involved in the video was a toy BB gun, the release said.

Marinez has a court date scheduled for June 20 in the Oberlin Municipal court.