Rodrigues was investigated on suspicion of rape, other
felonies
HOLLISTER
Felony warrants were issued Thursday for former San Benito County sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Rodrigues, who was to surrender at 11 a.m. to deputies but never showed up, according to the county dispatch center.
Dispatchers issued a “be on the lookout” for Rodrigues at about noon Thursday, described his possible vehicles and told law enforcement to “approach with caution.” Dispatchers also said Rodrigues was to meet deputies at 11 a.m. Thursday at the San Benito County Jail, but failed to show.
Rodrigues was being investigated for two rape allegations, violations of a court order to prevent domestic violence, stalking and intimidating a victim or witness, authorities have said.
San Benito County District Attorney Candice Hooper impaneled a criminal grand jury Monday, and proceedings were held through Wednesday night. She could not confirm whether the grand jury proceedings were regarding Rodrigues.
“I cannot comment until he is arrested,” Hooper said Thursday afternoon.
The sheriff’s office also declined to comment.
Rodrigues is the same deputy who shot a drugged, unarmed man in June. The man later died from excited delirium – with the gunshot wound, shocks from a Taser gun, baton strike and struggle with law enforcement contributing to the death. Rodrigues’ 11-year-old daughter was in his patrol car at the time of the shooting.
NOTE: This story will be updated as details emerge today. Check Friday’s edition of the Free Lance for full coverage.
