Pembroke Pines Man Arrested for Battery and Kidnapping in Gainesville

Mateo Javier Rodriguez, 22, was arrested early Friday morning and charged with two counts of kidnapping and two counts of domestic battery. Rodriguez has two cases, with one count of domestic battery and kidnapping for each case.  

On October 16, Rodriguez arrived outside a meeting the victim was attending at the University of Florida. After the meeting was over, Rodriguez grabbed the victim and forcefully walked her to his car. Once in the car, Rodriguez struck the victim several times. 

The arrest report in Rodriguez’s second case describes him attempting sexual battery and sexually assaulting the victim; however, he was not charged for any sex offenses. 

Gainesville Police Department (GPD) Officer Kevin Jin reported that Rodriguez “attempted to have sexual intercourse” with the victim by “caressing” her and “attempting to pry her legs open.”  

Jin reported that after Rodriguez was “unsuccessful at initiating sexual intercourse,” he locked her into his bathroom. 

The victim was able to escape, but Rodriguez shoved her back into the bathroom. While in the bathroom, Rodriguez sexually assaulted her at least four more times.

The victim reported that Rodriguez asked for oral sex, pulled his pants down, and stood in front of her four to five times.  

Rodriguez said he wanted a lawyer after he was arrested. 

Rodriguez’s bond is set at $575,000.