Man Wanted out of Puerto Rico for Shooting a Police Officer Arrested in Youngstown

Youngstown, OH – This afternoon, members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Robert Rodriguez-Maldonado, 26.

Rodriguez-Maldonado was wanted by authorities Puerto Rico for attempted murder and a weapons offense. It is alleged that on February 15, 2021, officers in Puerto Rico conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with expired registration tags that Rodriguez-Maldonado was driving and during the encounter, Rodriguez-Maldonado led officers on a high speed pursuit and shot at two officers. One of the officers was struck by a bullet fired by Rodriguez-Maldonado. The officer did not sustain any life-threatening injuries and has since recovered.

Today, members of the US Marshals violent fugitive task force arrested Rodriguez-Maldonado at an address near the 3500 block of Desoto Ave., Youngstown, Ohio. Rodriguez-Maldonado barricaded himself inside the attic of the residence. Officers were able to safely locate and arrest Rodriguez-Maldonado after searching for an extended period.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, "A dangerous man is off the streets today thanks to the efforts of our task force. Based off if his actions in Puerto Rico, when encountered by police and then again today, it is obvious that he will do anything to avoid being arrested and does it with no regard for the safety of the officers involved."

Anyone with information concerning any wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can send a web tip. Reward money is available and tipsters may remain anonymous.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) Youngstown Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies:

Boardman Township Police Department, Campbell Police Department, Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty Township Police Department, Lordstown Village Police Department, Mahoning County Sheriff's Office, Mercy Health Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Salem Police Department, Trumbull County Adult Probation Department, Warren Police Department, Youngstown Police Department, and United States Marshals Service.