Month: March 2022

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Precautions for Spring Break Travelers

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

TUCSON, AZ—FBI Phoenix advises the public to be vigilant of their surroundings and use caution when traveling during spring break. If traveling out of the country, the FBI warns of increased dangers of international travel, including crime, theft, fraud, and kidnapping.

As a first step in planning any trip abroad, check the travel advisories for your intended destination. The travel advisory system was designed to give U.S. citizens timely, clear, and reliable information regarding security threats abroad.

The following tips may help you feel more secure while traveling internationally:

  • Establish points of contact for your family to contact in the event of an emergency.
  • Avoid traveling alone, especially after dark. Be conscious of your surroundings and avoid areas you believe may put your personal safety at risk.
  • Use only authorized taxis/shuttles. Passengers have been robbed or kidnapped when using taxis.
  • Avoid actions that are illegal, improper, or indiscreet. Avoid offers of sexual companionship; they may lead to a room raid, photography, and blackmail.
  • Evade criminals by being aware of your surroundings and alert to the possibility of surveillance. Take mental notes of anyone following you and promptly report it to the appropriate security officials.
  • Beware of new acquaintances who probe for information about you or who attempt to get you involved in what could become a compromising situation.

Before finalizing plans, the FBI suggests you review the health and security alert issued by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico last week: https://mx.usembassy.gov/health-and-security-alert-spring-break-2022/

To view travel advisories for multiple countries, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/

For the current travel advisory for Mexico, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html

For more information on virtual kidnapping for ransom scams and how you can protect yourself, visit: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/phoenix/news/press-releases/fbi-warns-public-of-virtual-kidnapping-extortion-calls

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FBI Releases Video of Suspect Wanted on Assaulting Federal Officer Charges

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

PHOENIX, Ariz.—The FBI’s Phoenix Field Office released two short videos today that capture images of 39-year-old Valentin Rodriguez in a convenience store hours before his alleged involvement in an officer involved shooting on Wednesday, February 9th, on the Yavapai-Apache Nation Reservation. Rodriguez remains wanted on a federal arrest warrant.

The videos show Rodriguez entering the Market Place Conoco in Camp Verde, Arizona, around noon that day and then waiting at the checkout counter to purchase beverages. Rodriguez returned to the Conoco station around 3:15 that same afternoon. The store, located at 3400 Arizona Highway 260, is approximately half a mile from the shooting scene.

Rodriguez allegedly opened fire on two Yavapai-Apache Police officers responding to a 911 call for shots fired in the Tunli housing area on the reservation at around 7:30 p.m. on February 9th, severely injuring one officer.  

Rodriguez is a Hispanic male, 5’9”, about 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He is connected to the Yavapai-Apache tribe in Camp Verde but is not a member.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the location, arrest, conviction, and sentencing of Rodriguez.