A 45-year-old Temecula man faces felony charges after he allegedly stopped a teenage boy on a roadway, displayed a badge and ordered him out of a vehicle at gunpoint, authorities said Saturday.
Riverside County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched about 10:40 p.m. Monday to the 32000 block of Daybrook Terrace, in Temecula, according to Sgt. Joseph Narciso.
A parent told deputies that his 17-year-old son was stopped by a man in the roadway while driving in a residential neighborhood, Narciso said. The suspect displayed a badge and ordered the boy out of the vehicle at gunpoint. The juvenile complied and was eventually released to his parents, who called the sheriff’s office.
Investigators identified the suspect as Gerardo Rodriguez, who was arrested without incident at his home, the sergeant said. A search warrant served at Rodriguez’s residence yielded evidence related to the investigation.
Rodriguez was booked into the Southwest Detention Center Tuesday for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, child endangerment and assault by a public officer, Narciso said.
Bail was set at $40,000 and he was released about an hour later.
Officials did not provide any explanation about Rodriguez’s status as a public officer.
The investigation continued and anyone with information was asked to call Investigator Alyssa Morris at the Southwest Sheriff*s Station at 951-696-3000.