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Suspect in $1 Million Houston Jewelry Store Robbery Captured in Florida March 18, 2024 (0 comments)

Palm Coast, FL--Asdrubal Rodriguez, 35, has been apprehended in connection with a robbery exceeding $1 million from a Houston jewelry store. The arrest by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office unveiled around $79,000 in cash and stolen gold jewelry in Rodriguez's possession.

[Video screengrab image via KHOU 11/YouTube]

Per a news report in News 4 Ajax, Flagler County deputies initiated a stop on Rodriguez's vehicle after surveillance technology flagged his SUV's Maryland license plate, linking it to a recent armed robbery in Houston. The incident, involving the robbery of cash and jewelry from the Bawa Jewelry store, took place just days before the arrest.

The report added that deputies discovered the SUV parked and concealed its license plate. After observing two individuals loading groceries and committing a traffic violation, a pursuit ensued, leading to a traffic stop. Rodriguez, admitting to not holding a driver's license in the U.S. or his native Cuba, was identified through Rapid-ID fingerprint technology.

A search warrant led to the recovery of the items. Rodriguez confessed to his involvement in the Houston robbery, detailing the assault on store employees with pepper spray and a firearm. Per the report, he disclosed that his role in the heist was to collect the jewelry, partly sold in Houston and that he intended to transport the remainder to Miami.

The report noted that an ICE Detainer has been issued for Rodriguez, who is now facing charges including aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, as Houston police seek extradition. Surveillance footage and Rodriguez's admission have played pivotal roles in linking him to the crime, which is believed to be part of a broader criminal network.

Learn more in the video report in KHOU 11 below.