Jose Rodriguez was a wanted man. Police tracked him down to a hotel in Fort Lee, New Jersey. The New York City police, New Jersey police and members of a federal task force found Rodriguez in his hotel room. They had tracked him down by intercepting his cell phone calls. Overwhelmed by the police presence, Rodriguez surrendered. The police placed him in a police cruiser and handcuffed behind his back in the backseat. The engine of the police vehicle was left on and the key in the ignition. Besides from having his hands handcuffed behind his back, Rodriguez legs were also shackled together. Rodriguez was left in the back seat for approximately an hour while police were working out the details of the numerous criminal charges against him.
Rodriguez Escapes
Rodriguez squirmed into the front seat from the rear seat. He was somehow able to place the police cruiser into gear. Unable to steer the vehicle with his hands handcuffed behind his back, he steered the vehicle with his knees.
14 Hour Manhunt
When the police realized that Rodriguez had escaped, a manhunt was undertaken to find him. The police cruiser was located approximately five miles away. In it were the handcuffs and leg shackles that Rodriguez had removed from his arms and legs. The keys left in the ignition also had a key that opened up the handcuffs and leg shackles.
Heavily armed police officers utilizing both dogs and helicopters searched the neighboring area. Eventually they found Rodriguez. Rodriguez was returned to the 43rd precinct in the Bronx. He’s being charged with a November 1, 2001, shooting in the Bronx.Rodriguez has more than seven prior criminal arrests related to marijuana possession and robbery. He also was a parole violator. Thank God the police didn’t lose Mr. Rodriguez the second time they caught him!!
Our law office has extensive experience in representing individuals charged with all kinds of misdemeanors and felonies. We represent men and women charged with white collar crimes, violent crimes and sex crimes. We represent our clients in driving while intoxicated (DWI) and weapons possession cases. Should you, a friend or family member be the subject of an investigation or charged with a crime, call us! We can help you. You can reach us 24/7 at 1-800-344-6431, 516-561-6645 or 718-350-2802.