LOS ANGELES — Authorities have expanded their investigation of an Anaheim man charged with attempted murder in the firing of a BB gun at a Tesla in Norco last week, saying the man is now a suspect in at least six other similar cases and possibly more.
The details emerged at an arraignment hearing Tuesday for Jesse Leal Rodriguez, 34, who has pleaded not guilty and is being held on $1 million bail at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside.
Rodriguez's arrest last week came amid a spate of about 100 similar shootings across Southern California, which began in late April and have targeted motorists from Cerritos to Riverside. The California Highway Patrol is investigating Rodriguez in six other shooting incidents, according to a declaration filed in support of enhanced bail provided by CHP Officer Steven Cuevas. No serious injuries have resulted from the shootings.
"Rodriguez is suspected of 7 cases of firing a BB gun at occupied vehicles while those vehicles were being driven," Cuevas wrote. "Rodriguez was in possession of a BB gun and his vehicle was identified. Numerous CHP areas are currently investigating well over 100 similar incidents, some of which could possibly be linked to Rodriguez."
Last week, Rodriguez was charged with three counts of attempted murder and assault in connection with the alleged shooting of the Tesla, which was carrying a driver and two passengers.
Around 1:30 p.m. last Tuesday, the Tesla was shot at with a BB gun in the area of Hamner Avenue and Hidden Valley Parkway in Norco. A maroon Chevrolet Trailblazer was captured by the car's video system when its window was shot out, according to the district attorney's office.
CHP later pulled over a maroon Chevrolet Trailblazer about 9:30 p.m. in a shopping center parking lot. The driver, Rodriguez, was arrested and a BB gun, BBs, and other related items were found in his vehicle, according to the district attorney.
Rodriguez has a prior record of firearms convictions. In 2010, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to a felony charge for illegally carrying a loaded firearm and being part of street gang. He was sentenced to 16 months in state prison and a three-year probation, according to court records.
In December 2012, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm by a felon with a gang enhancement. In April 2013, he was sentenced to 32 months in state prison.
