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Temecula Man Charged After Teen Reports Gunpoint Stop by Badge-Wielding Stranger

Officials have not confirmed whether he works for a federal immigration agency.

Overview

  • Gerardo Rodriguez, 45 or 46, was arrested in Temecula and booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, child endangerment and assault by a public officer before posting $40,000 bail.
  • Deputies say a 17-year-old reported being ordered from his vehicle at gunpoint by a man who displayed a badge late Nov. 10 on Daybrook Terrace, and the case remains under active investigation with a request for tips.
  • Investigators served a search warrant at Rodriguez’s home and collected evidence, as home surveillance video shared by the family’s attorney shows a man pointing a handgun and shouting commands such as "Freeze, police."
  • The teenager’s lawyer identifies Rodriguez as a federal immigration agent, with outlets citing ICE or CBP, but ICE told the Los Angeles Times he is not employed there and DHS/CBP officials have not confirmed his status.
  • The teen and his parents are Mexican-American U.S. citizens, their attorney says, and a Dec. 26 court date is listed as the sheriff’s office continues its probe.