HOOD RIVER — Hood River Police Officer Michael Martin pled not guilty to all charges of strangulation, menacing, harassment and fourth degree assault earlier this year. He currently awaits trial, which was originally scheduled for Oct. 20. That trial was delayed to a later date, to be determined following a status check hearing on March 27, 2023.
The reason for the delay is currently unconfirmed, but a court order filed in early October authorized a review of evidence into a key witness’ medical history by Judge John A. Olson, following a request by Martin’s attorney, Lisa A. Maxfield, to subpoena the information. Olson later determined that the material can be reviewed by the defense and prosecution for further discovery and potential cross-examination.
“Any materials the defense intends to use in its case in chief or to impeach the complaining witness must be disclosed to the state,” Olson wrote in a Nov. 15 letter to Maxfield.
According to the indicting document, the charges allege a domestic violence component.
Martin remains on paid administrative leave from the Hood River Police Department. He recently completed annual and three-year training and certifications throughout 2022, according to the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.
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