The swift and coordinated efforts of the Plant City Police Department’s Patrol and Detective Divisions led to the arrest of 21-year-old Aron Rodriguez of Plant City on multiple felony charges following a stolen bicycle investigation.
On March 6, at approximately 5:00 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of Whitehall Street after receiving a report of a stolen bicycle. The victim informed officers that her bicycle had just been taken from her backyard, and that she witnessed the theft. Officers immediately initiated a search and located the stolen bicycle, abandoned, and several blocks away.
Further investigation led the officers to Rodriguez, who initially provided false statements regarding his involvement. However, through attentive police work, officers positively identified Rodriguezas the individual responsible for the theft. During a subsequent search, officers discovered a stolen, illegally possessed 9mm handgun, as well as approximately 15 grams of methamphetamine in Rodriguez’s possession. Rodriguez, who has a prior felony conviction for battery, is prohibited from carrying a firearm.
The Plant City Police Department charged Rodriguez with Felon in Possession of a Firearm (1st Degree Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine (1st Degree Felony), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (2nd Degree Felony), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia(1st Degree Misdemeanor)and Theft (2nd Degree Misdemeanor). Rodriguez was remanded to the Hillsborough County Jail.
This investigation emphasizes the importance of collaboration across all divisions within the department. What began as a stolen bicycle complaint ultimately led to the recovery of a stolen firearm, highlighting how routine calls can quickly escalate. Incidents like this serve as a reminder that officers must always remain alert and aware of the potential dangers they face while working to keep our neighborhoods safe.
