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

Comments

[blue and white fight]

i know this is irrelevant at this point, but it's kind of funny how no-one questioned his eligibility for playing at a Hillsborough County public school when he still lived in Pasco. I played against this kid, he's pretty athletic, but dang that all is just bad.

[w0lf3man813rb]

Damn, I was this kid teammate.. we didnt always see eye to eye so when he left wrhs i was happy.. didnt think he'd try to do something like this though.. sucks

[TampaTruth]

Anyone remember the uncharged juvenile from the USF shooting a few years ago? Hmmmmm

[John]

Hey Ricky, just because the kid was a good QB doesn't mean he is of good character.

[John]

Is he legal?

[TRIPLECROWN]

lock him up thats some bad shxt climbing in windows especially in both cases were someone was home. What would have happened if the young lady attempted to defend her home????????? Time to send a harsh message to all the youth that if you do the crime you do the time. LOCK HIM UP