Suspect caught in Fort Myers canal after fleeing officers, charged with car burglary

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)— A vehicle burglary suspect was arrested after fleeing from police and jumping into a canal early Tuesday morning, according to the Fort Myer's Police Department.

Fort Myers Police officers responded to Sunset Place at approximately 3:23 a.m. on Sept. 8 regarding a vehicle burglary that had just occurred, according to a press release from the Fort Myers Police Department. The victim reported seeing a man wearing a green hoodie standing outside their vehicle with the passenger door open.

When confronted, the man apologized, stated he was at the wrong house and fled the area, possibly on a bicycle, the press release said.

Within minutes, an officer located a man matching the description riding a bicycle near Hanson Street and Grand Avenue. When the officer attempted to stop him, the man refused commands and fled, eventually abandoning his bicycle and jumping into a canal south of Canal Street.

Officers entered the canal and apprehended the man, identified as Cristian Ariel Rodriguez, 32. Rodriguez continued to resist officers as they attempted to take him into custody before he was eventually restrained, according to the Department.

At the time of his arrest, Rodriguez was in possession of a black purse containing miscellaneous property. Multiple pairs of sunglasses and other items were also recovered from his possession and submitted into evidence as part of the investigation.

Investigators also learned that Rodriguez had two active warrants through the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Rodriguez was transported to the Lee County Jail and charged with Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance, Unarmed and Resisting an Officer Without Violence.