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An 84-year-old Cuban man, identified as Elso L. Rodríguez del Rey, was arrested in Hialeah after being accused of threatening a 12-year-old with a firearm during an altercation that took place on October 4th.
The incident took place in a residential building located at 138 W 26th Street, where, according to the police report, Rodríguez del Rey allegedly struck the door of an apartment, pulled out a weapon, and made threats against the teenager.
According to witnesses, the defendant yelled phrases like: "When I shoot him and you go to pick him up, don't say anything."
The minor also told the officers that the man threatened to kill him while holding a weapon.
Rodríguez del Rey was arrested without incident, and the gun was seized as part of the investigation.
During the bail hearing held on Saturday, a Miami-Dade judge found probable cause for the charge of aggravated assault with a firearm, set bail at $5,000, and ordered him to stay away from the victim and their family.
Subsequently, the defendant posted bail and was released under supervision, awaiting the progress of their judicial process.
In statements to Telemundo 51 after regaining his freedom, Rodríguez del Rey strongly denied the accusations.
"No, man, no. I haven't threatened anyone. I was just with my phone, like I am now. And they're saying I was carrying a gun. It's unfair. Completely unfair," he stated in front of cameras while returning to his home to collect some belongings under police supervision.
The defendant explained that the origin of the conflict was related to ongoing disturbances caused by the adolescent mentioned in the police report.
"The teenager was banging on my door here. And he was running around. I went to see the manager to tell him that the kid was knocking on my door. I don't sleep well," she recounted.
His neighbor, Migdalia Núñez, confirmed this account and stated that the man was frequently harassed by a group of young people from the neighborhood.
“At one in the morning, they were banging on the window. That’s night after night. They had him sick with nerves. I told him to call the police. He called, but it was pointless. They also scratched all over his car,” he detailed.
The woman emphasized that Rodríguez del Rey's advanced age and delicate health made him especially vulnerable to such provocations.
The elderly man also suggested that the investigation may have been influenced by connections between the officer handling the case and the minor's family. Although he acknowledged owning a licensed firearm, he insisted that he was not carrying it on the night of the incident.
"It was the phone that I had in my pocket, and they say I was carrying the gun. My gun was here," he stated. According to him, the weapon remained in his apartment at the time of his arrest.
Rodríguez del Rey expressed concern about the direction of the judicial process, emphasizing that he has been a U.S. citizen for years. "I hope this situation is resolved because it is serious. And for me, it’s even more so because I have been an American citizen for many years," he commented.
Upon attempting to obtain statements from the minor's family, there was no response at the apartment where the events took place.
For now, Rodríguez del Rey must comply with the conditions imposed by the court, including the order to stay away from the victim and their family, while facing legal proceedings that could determine his immediate future.
Frequently asked questions about the incident of the Cuban arrested in Hialeah
Why was Elso L. Rodríguez del Rey arrested in Hialeah?
Elso L. Rodríguez del Rey was arrested for threatening a 12-year-old minor with a firearm in an altercation that occurred on October 4. According to the police report, he knocked on the door of an apartment, drew a weapon, and made threats against the teenager.
What was the judge's decision in the bail hearing for Rodríguez del Rey?
During the bail hearing, a judge from Miami-Dade found probable cause for the charge of aggravated assault with a firearm and set bail at $5,000. A Rodríguez del Rey was ordered to stay away from the victim and their family. He paid the bail and was released under supervision while awaiting the progress of the judicial process.
What does Elso L. Rodríguez del Rey defend regarding the accusations against him?
Rodríguez del Rey firmly denies the accusations and claims that he did not threaten anyone with a weapon. He argues that he had a phone in his pocket, not a gun, and that his licensed firearm was in his apartment at the time of the incident.
What is the neighbor's version of the events according to Rodríguez del Rey?
The neighbor Migdalia Núñez supports Rodríguez del Rey's account, stating that he was frequently harassed by local youths who caused him trouble and damage. She details that the elderly man suffered constant harassment, which affected his health and well-being.
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