Man is found guilty of assault on his estranged wife

6/15/2010

For several minutes with her estranged husband in a vehicle chasing her, Anna Rodriguez tried to get away.

Victor Rodriguez, initially charged with 15 counts including five counts of attempted murder, was found guilty yesterday for his actions one year ago when he shot at his estranged wife's home, then fired at her fleeing car.

Rodriguez, 39, also known as Victor Saenz, pleaded no contest to two counts of felonious assault, one with a three-year gun specification, and one count of discharging a firearm into a habitation with a one-year gun specification. As part of the agreement, the assistant county prosecutor will recommend a maximum of nine years in prison.

The additional 12 counts and gun specifications will be dismissed.

Judge Gary Cook set a June 30 sentencing date. The judge could impose a sentence of up to 28 years.

According to Assistant County Prosecutor Jim Vail, Victor Rodriguez arrived at his estranged wife's Angola Road house just before 11 p.m. June 17. He had previously sent a text message to his daughters warning them that they were "going to die" that night. He then shot four times into the vacant house, Mr. Vail said.

While he was leaving, Rodriguez came across Mrs. Rodriguez as she was returning home. He began to pursue her in his vehicle, Mr. Vail said.

"He shot out the front end of the vehicle, firing repeatedly at Anna Rodriguez," Mr. Vail said.

The chase, which began in South Toledo, eventually ended in Springfield Township when he rammed her car, he said.

"Victor Rodriguez … in the 7700 block of Angola, took his vehicle, a [sport utility vehicle], and rammed it into the vehicle of Anna Rodriguez, in what is commonly referred to as 'T-boning,'•" Mr. Vail said.

Mr. Vail said Rodriguez's actions disabled his own vehicle, allowing Mrs. Rodriguez to get away. She had called 911 while driving, and police arrested Rodriguez shortly afterward.

The couple, who have three daughters, have a divorce pending. Mrs. Rodriguez declined to comment after the plea.