Iredell County Deputy Struck By Suspect Vehicle

Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell has released information that on Saturday, May 2nd just before midnight, Deputy J. Raper with the Iredell County Aggressive Criminal Enforcement (ACE) Team conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Ram at the intersection of Williford Road and Eternal Drive. While speaking with the driver, Joseph Radames Rodriguez, 24, of Mooresville, Deputy Raper observed drug paraphernalia lying on the passenger seat. When Deputy Raper asked Rodriguez to exit his vehicle he fled the scene at a high rate of speed. As he fled, a portion of the side of the truck struck Deputy Raper, but caused no injury.

Deputies pursued Rodriquez towards the city limits of Mooresville and requested assistance from Mooresville Police Department for stop sticks. Mooresville Officers were able to successfully deploy stop sticks causing the tires on the Dodge Ram to deflate. The vehicle came to a stop in the parking lot of the BP gas station on E. Plaza Drive where it struck the side of the building causing minor damage.

Rodriguez was then taken into custody. Upon searching the vehicle, deputies located crack cocaine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. It was also determined that Rodriguez had an active warrant for breaking and entering in Mecklenburg County.

Rodriguez was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center where he is being held without bond.

Iredell County Sheriff’s Office