Man Accused of Hitting, Killing McAlester Officer Appeared in Court

TULSA COUNTY, Okla. –

The man accused of hitting and killing a McAlester police officer during a funeral procession appeared in court Wednesday.

Police said Martin Rodriguez was in the country illegally and didn’t have a driver’s license. He faces four charges related to the wreck, including first degree manslaughter.

Rodriguez is in the Tulsa County Jail on a 75,000 bond. However, the judge told Rodriguez even if he posts bond, he won’t get out of jail because he has a hold on him for immigration, customs enforcement.

Police said Rodriguez was driving in Glenpool last Friday and didn’t realize other drivers had stopped to show their respects for a processional as McAlester officers escorted a police captain, who had died earlier in the week, to a funeral home.

Police said Rodriguez slammed on the breaks and ended up going across the highway, through the barrier and slamming head-on into the car being driven by Officer Joseph Barlow.

Even if Rodriguez makes bail, he would be in federal custody while going through the court process in Tulsa County, related to the current charges.

If he’s convicted, he would serve his full sentence, then U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement would step in and Rodriguez could be deported from the U.S.

Rodriguez has been charged with first degree manslaughter, reckless driving, causing a fatality accident without a driver’s license, and driving without a license.