Football: Angel Rodriguez charged with two felony counts of burglary
Angel Rodriguez, once the starting quarterback at Tampa Bay Tech and Wiregrass Ranch, was arrested Thursday and charged with separate felony counts of burglary of an occupied dwelling. He was released a few hours later.
Authorities say Rodriguez, a juvenile at the time, attempted the burglaries just days before his 18th birthday within blocks of his home at 28950 Long Meadow Loop in Wesley Chapel.
According to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Rodriguez rang the doorbell then entered the home at 28331 Tall Grass Dr. in Wesley Chapel through a bedroom window. The female victim was home, but did not answer the door. She told police she witnessed Rodriguez steal a computer valued at $2,600. Police said they recovered a finger print from inside the window that matched Rodriguez, who denied entering the home, but admitted to taking the computer.
In the second attempt, Rodriguez again rang the doorbell this time at 31349 Philmar Ln. in Wesley Chapel. He gained entry through a bedroom window when no one answered. Once halfway through the window, the victim yelled causing Rodriguez to flee, according to police. Rodriguez later admitted to ringing the doorbell and opening the window, but denied entry.
The attempts occurred June 14 and June 24, the first just blocks from his home. Rodriguez turned 18 on June 27.
Rodriguez was a Times' All-Hillsborough County honorable mention selection last season. He amassed more than 1,300 total yards and accounted for 18 touchdowns. He signed a letter of intent in April to play football at Cheyney University in Pennsylvania.
"He was the best quarterback I ever coach," former Wiregrass coach Ricky Thomas said. "This is shocking to me."
-- IZZY GOULD
izzygould@gmail.com


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