PRESS RELEASE: Attempted Murder Arrest
On Friday, June 18th, 2021, at 3:45pm, the Montgomery County 911 Dispatch Center and the Amsterdam Police Department began receiving numerous calls reporting multiple shots fired in the area of 92 Union Street in the City of Amsterdam. Some callers also advised that a male had been shot out front of 92 Union Street. Patrol units from the Amsterdam Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Police responded to the area. Upon police arrival, officers located a 25 year old male lying on the sidewalk suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. Amsterdam Fire Department paramedics arrived on scene and began treating the male victim. The victim was subsequently flown by helicopter to Albany Medical Center due to the extent of his injuries.
Members of the Amsterdam Police Department Detective Bureau responded to the scene, along with Investigators with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and New York State PoliceBCI. Investigation by detectives revealed that the male victim was shot as he was standing on the sidewalk in front of 92 Union Street with a group of people. A white four door vehicle drove up to the group and a male inside fired at least two shots from a hand gun toward the group, striking the 25 year old victim in the neck. As a result of the investigation with the assistance of video surveillance in the area, detectives were able to identify the vehicle used by the shooter which was located later that same evening in the Town of Perth by APD detectives. Detectives also recovered a stolen loaded .22 caliber firearm which is believed to have been used in the crime near the vehicle. Through further investigation, detectives were able to able to identify the suspect in the shooting as 23 year old Heriberto Rodriguez from Bronx, NY. An arrest warrant charging Rodriguez with Attempted Murder 2nd was signed by Amsterdam City Court Judge Lisa Lorman on June 23rd, 2021. APD detectives then reached out to NYPD detectives who assisted APD in locating Rodriguez in New York City. Rodriguez was transported from New York City to Amsterdam police hq’s where he was processed and held pending arraignment in Amsterdam City Court.
Rodriguez was charged with Attempted Murder 2nd (CLASS A2 FELONY), Reckless Endangerment 1st (CLASS D FELONY) Assault 1st (CLASS B FELONY), and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd (CLASS C FELONY). Rodriguez was processed at the Amsterdam Police Department on the above charges and held pending arraignment in Amsterdam City Court.
The victim has since been released from Albany Medical Center and is recovering.
The investigation is continuing and anyone with any further information is asked to call the Amsterdam Police Department Detective Bureau.
Montgomery County District Attorney Lorraine Diamond assisted with this case.
