Puerto Rico Murder Suspect Caught In N Bay Village
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – An anonymous tip to North Bay Village police led them to a man reportedly wanted in connection to a murder investigation in Puerto Rico.
Police said they received a tip on Wednesday that Jesus Rodriguez, 27, was living in the area.
Thursday around 12:30 a.m., an officer conducting a traffic stop in 1300 block of the 79th Street Causeway noticed that a passenger in the back seat look like Rodriguez.
According to the arrest affidavit, Rodriguez got out of the vehicle but while being walked back to a police vehicle, he shoved one of the officers and took off into the gated North Bay Island community.
Village police quickly set up a perimeter and called in assistance from El Portal, Biscayne Park, Indian Creek and Miami-Dade police to assist in the search.
A short time later he was found hiding in a cabana bathroom behind a home in the 7800 block of Miami View Drive.
The people inside the home told CBS 4's Lauren Pastrana they immediately called 911 after seeing a man sneak inside the cabana behind the waterfront home.
Police said they tried repeatedly to have him come out on his own and give himself up. When he didn't, the officers sent a K-9 and he was taken into custody.
The normally quiet community was buzzing with the news on Thursday.
"We didn't sleep. My husband says they're probably looking for someone and sure is, that's what happened," Irma Vool said. "It's crazy. It's scary. What can I tell you? This is very safe and everything is good but you know what, it's life, it happens."
Bond for Rodriguez has been set at $18,500 but he's been placed on a hold until he can go before a magistrate.
