PEMBROKE PINES, FLA. (WSVN) - Police have arrested a man a day after, they said, he exposed himself to a teenage girl at a bus stop in Pembroke Pines and began to masturbate.
7News cameras captured 25-year-old Luis Enrique Rodriguez shortly after he was taken to the Broward County Jail in handcuffs, Wednesday afternoon.
Rodriguez appeared before a judge Thursday morning where he was given a $5,000 bond.
He is also not allowed to have any contact with the victim or any minors, and he cannot return to the bus stop.
“My concern is that it would appear that Mr. Rodriguez was intentionally exposing himself to this alleged victim who is 16 years old,” said a prosecutor. “If she was any younger, he would be charged with a felony sex crime.”
Rodriguez paid his bond, Thursday afternoon.
According to Pembroke Pines Police, the incident happened at the bus stop located near Northwest 105th Avenue and Johnson Street, Tuesday morning.
Pembroke Pines Police Capt. Adam Feiner discussed the arrest during a news conference.
“What I can say to our community members is, this individual who’s responsible for this crime preyed upon a child, preyed upon somebody who’s most vulnerable and most innocent, which makes this crime even more horrific,” he said.
Investigators said the 16-year-old victim was waiting for her school bus when the suspect exposed his privates and began to fondle himself in front of her.
“For somebody to masturbate in public, in full view, in broad daylight, in front of a child, is beyond offensive,” said Feiner.
Detectives said the girl took out her cellphone.
“And started taking videotape footage of the offender. That was instrumental in our investigation,” said Feiner.
Area residents commended the teen for having the presence of mind to take swift action.
“I mean, that was really smart, to think on her feet like that. That was really smart,” said a woman.
“That’s great. I like to feel like a lot of people nowadays: first thing they do is take out their phones and start recording. It’s a good thing,” said another resident.
“Taking pictures, taking videos, that’s proof. That’s all the cops need to stop the guy, get everything they need, all the proof, everything, so I think she did an amazing job,” said a third resident.
Police said the footage gave them some very strong leads that led detectives to the suspect within 24 hours.
Police said the video also captured Rodriguez’s car, a black 2012 Toyota Camry with tinted windows and chrome wheels. The vehicle’s Florida tag is DQNA04.
Area residents said they couldn’t believe the incident happened on such a busy street, during rush hour.
“I had no idea. I walk my dog out here every morning,” said a woman. “Wow, scary.”
Police believe there may be more victims.
If you have any information on the suspect or believe you have been targeted by him, call Pembroke Pines Police or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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