Holly MatkinCoral Gables, FL – The alleged accomplice of a burglar who was fatally shot while trying to run police down with a U-Haul truck has been charged with murder in the death of his cohort.
Henry Rodriguez, 34, was out of jail on bond for another felony offense when he and a second suspect allegedly broke into multiple vehicles on Sunday night, WPLG reported.
When Coral Gables police arrived in the 100-block of Calabria Avenue, the two suspects took off running on foot, according to WTVJ.
Police found the window of a car had been smashed in and recovered a crowbar lying inside it.
As police were searching for the suspects, Rodriguez’s alleged accomplice sped towards them in a U-Haul truck while trying to flee, according to investigators.
One officer was injured during the mayhem, WPLG reported.
Police opened fire on the driver, who was fatally wounded.
Investigators located Rodriguez hiding beneath a nearby car and took him into custody.
A witness told them he had watched Rodriguez standing next to a Chrysler 300, acting as a lookout, while the second suspect broke into the car, according to WTVJ.
Rodriguez was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on charges of burglary and felony murder (a death occurring during the commission of a felony), WPLG reported.
The officer who was injured during the incident was hospitalized in stable condition Sunday, according to police.
Details regarding the officer’s injuries were not released.
Police have not released the identity of the suspect who was killed.
The officers who fired at the suspect have been placed on paid administrative leave, as per protocol, according to the Associated Press.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is handling the ongoing investigation into the fatal officer-involved shooting.
Rodriguez made his initial appearance on Monday morning, WPLG reported.
The judge ordered he be held without bond.
Police said Rodriguez was out on bond on charges of grand theft, burglary, and habitual driving with a suspended license at the time of his latest arrest, WTVJ reported.
