NORTH LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — An arrest was made in connection to several shootings in North Las Vegas throughout September.
North Las Vegas Police said on Tuesday the suspect, 36-year-old Hector Andres Rodriguez, was arrested on Sept. 26 after a weeks-long investigation.
Released body camera footage from Sept. 26 shows NLVPD officers conducting a traffic stop when when shots can be heard in the distance. Minutes later, more bodycam video shows a NLVPD K9 unit confronting the suspect during a traffic stop and then at a gas station before he is brought to the ground and detained.
WATCH | Released NLVPD bodycamera footage (Warning: This video may be graphic to some viewers)
Channel 13 reported on these shooting incidents in mid-September when the NLVPD Traffic Division building over on North Palmer Street was fired at multiple times over the span of a few days. A suspect was never found.
According to an arrest report, in one instance, a 13-year-old student was shot while walking home from school near Statz Street and Tropical Parkway. Police said the student was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Initially, police said they could not establish a clear connection between the shootings, but after gathering enough evidence they determined it was one suspect committing multiple shootings in the area of Centennial and Palmer. NLVPD launched an undercover operation in an attempt to catch the shooter in the act.
On Sept. 26, Rodriguez was arrested after NLVPD said he fired a single shot in the direction of officers conducting an unrelated traffic stop at Centennial and Pecos.
"Based on common modus operandi, GPS location data, video surveillance footage, and forensic firearm evidence testing, investigators determined Hector Rodriguez was responsible for all of the shootings," a NLVPD arrest report states.
Additionally, investigators said they were able to link Rodriguez to more shootings across the Las Vegas Valley, including at the Clark County Family Court, the Wynn, and Mandalay Bay. Related investigations are ongoing by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Rodriguez faces several felony charges, including discharging a firearm into an occupied structure and an occupied vehicle. More charges could follow as the case develops, police said.
This is an ongoing investigation.
Anyone who may have information about these incidents is urged to contact the North Las Vegas Police Department at 702-633-9111. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers of Nevada by phone at 702-385-5555, or online at crimestoppersofnv.com.
-
Police: Man in custody after SWAT standoff in east Las Vegas
Las Vegas police tell us this began as a domestic disturbance in the 5400 block of Eastbrook Drive, near Charleston Boulevard in the east valley.
Police: Suspect at large after fatal shooting in northwest Las Vegas
Police believe this to be an isolated incident, but members of the public with any information or surveillance footage to share are encouraged to contact LVMPD
Barricade situation underway after suspect threatens people with a knife
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department SWAT is at the scene of a barricade at 370 East Harmon Avenue on Monday night.
Driver pleads guilty in crash that killed Arbor View HS senior McKenzie Scott
McKenzie Scott's family members held a picture of her as they sat in the courtroom and heard Keenan Jackson plead guilty to one count of felony DUI resulting in death.