Elí Santiago Rodríguez Morales, a 36-year-old resident of Cidra, was charged with attempted murder, violating the Weapons Law, and several traffic infractions after allegedly trying to run over a police officer in Caguas. The incident occurred on February 22, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., when officers from the San Juan area were following Rodríguez Morales' blue Toyota Camry due to suspected traffic violations.
According to the police report, Rodríguez Morales disobeyed the officers' instructions, leading to a chase that ended in Caguas. During the intervention, he allegedly used his vehicle to try to hit and harm Officer Tito Rivera Hernández, who was on duty. The investigation was led by Agent Reimundo Quiñonez of the Caguas Homicide Division.
After gathering and corroborating evidence, the case was presented to Judge Karina Díaz Pérez, who determined probable cause for arrest and set a $500,000 bond. Rodríguez Morales was unable to post bail and was booked and taken to the Bayamón Regional Jail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 13, 2026.