Kidnapping, rape suspect tries to escape detective at jail while in handcuffs, sheriff's office says

GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- This year's edition of "Go Topless Jeep Weekend" - an annual event drawing thousands of Jeep enthusiasts to Crystal Beach, where police are likely stretched thin with various disorderly conduct and public intoxication arrests - may have been the site of a woman's kidnapping by two men who are accused of raping her.

The Galveston County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday the arrests of two men - Bryant Chatham, 20, and Erick Martinez, 21 - in connection to the May 21 alleged abduction and sexual assault. Deputies added that the pair from Humble was arrested on their outstanding warrants on Thursday, June 15, 25 days after.

The kidnapping

Maj. Ray Nolen of GCSO said the 18-year-old woman left the beach with Martinez and Chatham.

When they got to Humble, Martinez is accused of sexually assaulting her.

She was only allowed to leave after reaching friends who sent the men money.

ABC13 was able to confirm these CashApp payments for the amount of money the victim alleged that it was.

That kind of corroborated her story, Nolen said.

Attempted getaway

Despite their arrests, one of the suspects would go on to commit more criminal acts while in custody, the sheriff's office said.

According to a sheriff's office news release, a handcuffed Martinez assaulted a detective as he was being escorted into the Galveston County Jail. Martinez was quickly apprehended less than a mile away in an alleyway, GCSO added.

Both men are in jail and charged with aggravated kidnapping. Martinez was additionally charged with aggravated sexual assault, assault on a peace officer, and escape while in custody.

Chatham was already on probation for drug possession and assault in Harris County. His bond was set at $200,000. Martinez's total bond amount was set at $300,000.

The sheriff's office earlier reported 234 arrests and 283 charges were attributed to the 2023 Go Topless Jeep Weekend, most for misdemeanors. Thirteen of the charges were felonies.

"I would suggest anybody that goes to the beach at any time, not just on Jeep Weekend, but especially Jeep Weekend, stay with your friends," Nolen said.

He also warned against overindulging in alcohol, advising that you should always have your phone and ID while partying to help yourself stay safe from people with bad intentions out on the beach.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: The gathering held in Bolivar is in no way connected with "Barricade Go Topless Day" annual events.