San Rafael Man with DUI History Arrested Again

Suspect allegedly tried to evade California Highway Patrol after exiting Highway 101.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 2:55pm

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A 28-year-old San Rafael man, Marcos Martinez Jimenez, was arrested on allegations of intoxicated driving and recklessly evading the California Highway Patrol. The incident started around 3 a.m. on Sunday when officers saw Jimenez's Jeep Cherokee speeding and nearly crashing into another vehicle on southbound Highway 101 in Novato. Jimenez then led police on a chase to San Rafael, running stop signs and a red light before being detained.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of repeat DUI offenders in the San Rafael area, raising concerns about public safety on local roads. Jimenez had a prior DUI conviction from last summer where he injured another driver and damaged property, but was still allegedly driving under the influence.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, officers initially spotted Jimenez's Jeep Cherokee speeding and nearly crashing on Highway 101 in Novato around 3 a.m. on Sunday. Jimenez then led police on a chase to San Rafael, running stop signs and a red light before being detained. Officers determined Jimenez was intoxicated and arrested him on charges including DUI with prior offenses, evading police, and driving with a suspended license.

  • The incident started around 3 a.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2026 on southbound Highway 101 in Novato.
  • Jimenez was arrested and booked into the Marin County Jail on Sunday, February 2, 2026.
  • Jimenez is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.

The players

Marcos Martinez Jimenez

A 28-year-old San Rafael resident who was arrested on allegations of intoxicated driving and evading police.

California Highway Patrol

The law enforcement agency that initially spotted Jimenez's vehicle, pursued him, and ultimately arrested him.

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What they’re saying

“The suspect allegedly tried to evade the California Highway Patrol after exiting Highway 101.”

— Arthur Tellez, CHP Officer

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Wednesday whether or not to allow Marcos Martinez Jimenez out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of repeat DUI offenders in the San Rafael area and the need for stronger enforcement and intervention to prevent such dangerous behavior and protect public safety on local roads.