FBI: Rafael Vega-Rodriguez Taken Into Custody In Lancaster County Following Manhunt For Shooting At Agents
READING, Pa. (CBS) -- The manhunt for a gunman who shot at FBI agents has ended. After nearly a day of searching, the FBI located 38-year-old Rafael Vega-Rodriguez, of Reading, in Lancaster County overnight.
Vega-Rodriguez was wanted for shooting at agents on a Reading street on Sunday night. His distance as a fugitive was short as he was only captured about 30 miles away in Leola. Vega-Rodriguez has been charged with assault on a federal officer.
The manhunt began late Sunday night after a shootout with the FBI as they converged on a Gordon Street rowhome in Reading. Federal agents were forced to duck for cover while they exchanged gunfire from Vega-Rodriguez and an accomplice, who was injured in the exchange of gunfire.
The accomplice was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, but Vega-Rodriguez was on the run.
Officials put the entire neighborhood on lockdown for about 16 hours as they combed through West Reading, eventually focusing on one home on the 500 block of Gordon Street where they thought he was holed up.
CBS3 was there as federal agents stormed inside -- once with guns drawn and riot gear out, followed by several loud bangs.
Shortly after, the FBI and U.S. Attorney William McSwain announced that Vega-Rodriguez was not inside and issued a plea for tips and help in their search from the public, including a $10,000 reward.
Early Tuesday morning, FBI officials announced they had the fugitive in custody.
The FBI thanked the people of Reading for their patience during Monday's standoff.
"We know how disruptive our activity was and we truly appreciate your patience. We can ensure you that no operation or tactical decision is ever made without first considering the safety of citizens, said FBI Philadelphia's Acting Special Agent in Charge Tara McMahon.
The FBI says Vega-Rodriguez is a person of interest in multiple shootings in Reading in the last several months.
