Preliminary hearings are now planned for the Oklahoma couple that triggered several lockdowns in northwest Emporia last week, including Hobby Lobby and nearby schools.
Hearings for Jose Omar Avelar Martinez, 24, and Jennifer Guerrero, are both slated for 2 pm April 24. Martinez faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; possession of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine and Xanax; possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to use and felon in possession of a weapon. Guerrero is charged Xanax distribution; possession of cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine; and paraphernalia possession with intent to use.
Authorities say the couple, both of Guymon, Okla., stayed at an Emporia hotel last Tuesday and had checked out of the building Wednesday but returned after allegedly leaving hundreds of Xanax pills behind. Authorities say Martinez also got belligerent with staff, eventually pointing a gun at one woman and using his pickup to chase her before she crashed into a retaining wall at the Hobby Lobby. Lockdowns then followed at the store as well as Emporia High School, Emporia Middle School and Timmerman Elementary.
Affidavits say Guerrero initially denied any knowledge of illegal activity, saying Martinez takes Xanax for panic attacks, but the affidavits say Guerrero’s story changed about where the couple stored the Xanax and when they switched drivers before leaving Emporia. Guerrero also said Martinez wanted to go home, but the couple instead had a Google map available with directions to Arkansas City instead of Oklahoma.
Paul Dean was appointed to represent Martinez, while Rick Meier was appointed as Guerrero’s attorney.
