Whitewater man in custody, held victim against will, police say
WHITEWATER, Wis. - Whitewater police say an 18-year-old man is now in custody after allegedly wielding several rifles after holding a victim against her will for multiple days, officials say.
Officials say officers initially spotted Guzman Rodriguez on Highland Street – and he immediately fled on foot. Officers pursued Guzman Rodriguez – and he was taken into custody on S. Prince Street. Officials say Guzman Rodriguez "actively resisted officers' attempts to take him into custody, and a taser was successfully deployed to end the pursuit."
Yefferson Guzman Rodriguez
Officials say around 10:30 p.m. Sunday, they learned Yefferson Guzman Rodriguez of Whitewater had reportedly held a woman – and at one point held a gun against the woman's head.
Whitewater police arrested Guzman Rodriguez around 11 a.m. Monday.
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On Sunday night, Whitewater police were called to a home on Janesville Street for a woman who needed help. Police say Guzman Rodriguez held the woman against her will for days – at one point, holding a gun to her head.
Officers set a perimeter around the residence and garage. The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and Beloit Police Department SWAT team responded to assist in the search of the property. The suspect was not located on the property during the search. Whitewater Police simultaneously searched multiple residences occupied by individuals known to the suspect without locating him.
Whitewater police have Scott Street in Whitewater blocked off early Monday. (Credit: WMTV)
"One of our officers had an idea of where the suspect might go based on prior interaction," said John Weidl, Whitewater city manager.
Police spotted Guzman Rodriguez on Highland Street Monday – and he ran off again. Then Guzman Rodriguez was arrested just a few blocks away on Prince Street. Police say he arrested their attempts to get him into custody – and had to be tased.
"I feel a lot more safe like I was a little concerned going to class this morning," said Cole Yocum, UW-Whitewater student.
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Weidl said the doors to Lincoln Elementary were locked as classes continued Monday – all while police searched the area for guns. Weidl said just last week, they had a similar situation.
"We had a known felon who was arrested with multiple stolen weapons," Weidl said.
John Weidl
We did ask police what the relationship is between Guzman Rodriguez and the victim, but they haven't said.
Guzman Rodriguez was wanted for the following crimes: Kidnapping, False Imprisonment, Recklessly Endangering Safety, Intentionally Point Firearm at Person, and Disorderly Conduct.
The Whitewater Police Department thanks those who provided tips and assisted in the investigation.