Exclusive: Suspect In Wednesday's Carjacking Was Wanted For Similar Attack 5 Days Before
By Walt Hunter
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- CBS 3 has learned exclusively that five days before accused attacker Nathaniel Rodriguez allegedly abducted a 28-year-old woman, carjacking and robbing her at gunpoint in Center City, he was suspected of committing an almost identical gunpoint robbery only a few blocks from Wednesday morning's robbery.
The alleged victim, who asked we conceal her identity, and police told CBS 3's Walt Hunter that she was ambushed around 5:45 Friday morning near 11th and Lombard Sts., then marched at gunpoint to two ATM machines on South Street and a third nearby. After being ordered to remove money, she was released unharmed, the suspect taking off in a taxi.
The victim told Hunter that Monday she picked Rodriguez picture from a photo spread at South Detectives Division.
But sources say when detectives requested approval from the District Attorney's Office for a warrant to arrest Rodriguez, they were declined, told they needed more evidence.
Less than 48 hours after the DA's decision, Rodriguez allegedly attacked his latest victim Wednesday.
"I feel bad for her," the victim of Friday's robbery told Hunter."I know what she went through."
A spokesperson for the District Attorney confirms the Office declined the arrest warrant, telling detectives more evidence was needed.
Following his arrest for Wednesday's attack, sources say Rodriguez confessed to the earlier robbery on Friday.
He's now being held on $1 million bail, while detectives investigate at least one other crime, a home invasion and robbery last Saturday, that they believe he may have committed.
