Valdosta Police Department officers arrested Aaron Michael Rodriguez, 29, on Tuesday after an altercation on Giddens Drive in which a woman sustained injuries and required medical attention. Rodriguez faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including aggravated battery and kidnapping, following the incident.
The initial call to 911 came in at 11:15 p.m. Monday from a woman on Giddens Drive. She reported to dispatch that a verbal argument with Rodriguez had escalated into a physical confrontation. The victim stated that Rodriguez left the scene before officers could arrive. She provided a description of the car he had departed in, including the license plate number.
Officers located Rodriguez's car shortly afterward on East Ann Street. It was found empty but still running. Valdosta Police Department officers attempted to gather information from witnesses in the area, but none would provide details on Rodriguez's whereabouts. The vehicle was subsequently towed as the search continued.
The situation intensified at 1:50 a.m. Tuesday when another citizen called 911 to report seeing a man physically assaulting a woman on Giddens Drive. The witness further told officers that the man had dragged the woman inside a residence. Upon arrival at the home, officers attempted to make contact with both the victim and Rodriguez but received no response.
Due to the urgent nature of the call and concerns for the victim's safety, a Valdosta Police Department officer gained entry into the residence through a window. Inside, the officer observed blood. Officers then located both the victim and Rodriguez in a bathroom, at which point Rodriguez was taken into custody.
SGMC Health Emergency Medical Services treated the victim for visible injuries at the scene before transporting her to the hospital for further treatment. Rodriguez was taken to Lowndes County Jail. While at the jail, he allegedly threatened an officer with bodily harm.
In addition to two active unrelated arrest warrants, Rodriguez has been charged with several offenses stemming from the Giddens Drive incident. Felony charges include aggravated battery, two counts of kidnapping, and false imprisonment. He also faces misdemeanor charges of battery, criminal trespass, terroristic threats, and obstruction of an officer.
Valdosta Police Department Chief Leslie Manahan praised the officers' actions in the incident. Chief Manahan stated that the officers understood the necessity of entering the residence quickly for the victim's safety and did not hesitate. According to Chief Manahan, they successfully located the victim, ensured she received necessary medical assistance, and apprehended the alleged offender.
