Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Gerlach Deputies arrest fugitive from Texas

Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Gerlach Patrol Deputies yesterday arrested Philipe Rodriguez, 31, of Corpus Christi, Texas on charges of breaking into a business, as well as for being a fugitive from Texas.

Deputies initially responded to the Gerlach business the morning of January 23, 2022, to investigate a past-tense commercial burglary which occurred on Main Street just before one o’clock that morning. The victim told deputies that she had previously kicked Rodriguez out of her place of work shortly after midnight. The victim and her adult child live in a residence attached to the business. She told deputies that she awoke to a loud bang, heard someone forcibly enter the business, and witnessed Rodriguez inside. The victim locked herself and her family member in the residential section of the building until Rodriguez left.

Gerlach deputies canvassed the neighborhood, and through intelligence gathered during their canvass identified Rodriguez as a suspect. Deputies also confirmed that Rodriguez had an extraditable, no-bail arrest warrant out of Nueces County (Texas) District Court for Sexual Assault. 

With assistance from officers with the Pyramid Lake Police Department, deputies made contact with Rodriguez and arrested him without incident.

Rodriguez is charged with one felony count of Commercial Burglary, First Offense; one misdemeanor count of Trespass; and one felony count of being a Fugitive from Another State on an outstanding warrant, which charges Rodriguez with one count of Sexual Assault.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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