Portage Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a Portage man charged with two felony counts of criminal recklessness for allegedly firing a weapon outside of a Dunkin Donuts earlier this month.
Devin T. Rodriguez, 19, was charged on Dec. 18 in Porter Superior Court with two Level 5 felonies, according to police and an online court docket.
Around 4:53 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16, officers responded to the Dunkin Donuts at 6550 W. U.S. 6 for a report of a shooting, according to a release.
Two brothers, ages 25 and 27 and both of Portage, entered the Dunkin Donuts shortly before 5 p.m., police said. The older brother confronted Rodriguez, who was working at the store at the time.
Despite not knowing Rodriguez, the brothers claimed he was staring at them, police said. That led to a verbal argument inside the store. Rodriguez disengaged from the argument and went into the back of the store, leaving the two men to complete their order with another employee, according to the release.
After the brothers received their order and left the store, Rodriguez came from the rear of the
building and confronted the brothers outside where the argument continued. As the brothers walked away from Rodriguez and toward their vehicle, Rodriguez produced a handgun and fired several rounds in their direction, striking their unoccupied vehicle at least two times, according to the release.
The two brothers and the suspect all fled the scene. The brothers contacted police when they got home and are cooperating with the investigation, according to the release.
A warrant with nationwide extradition has been issued for Rodriguez’s arrest for two counts of criminal recklessness with a firearm. Enhanced charges are expected to be filed in the coming days.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Devin T. Rodriguez should contact Detective David Czilli at 219-764-5708 or 219-762-3122.
