UPDATE: Man Threatens ‘Suicide by Cop,” Charges Released

UPDATED MAY 22, 2023

Edinburg TX Edinburg Police today released information on the arrest of a man who had allegedly threatened to end his life in a “suicide by cop” scenario after barricading himself in an empty home. The suspect, 36-year old Christopher Rodriguez faced a number of new charges on top of existing warrants.

On Friday, May 19, 2023, at approximately 5:30 PM, officers from the Edinburg PD responded to a potential disturbance in the 700 block of Agate St. A concerned citizen had reported the incident. 

Upon arrival, the officers engaged with a woman had had called in the report. She told that a 36-year-old male was causing trouble and making threats towards her. She also reported that the suspect had also expressed intentions of “suicide by cop” while barricading himself in an unoccupied residence. 

Further investigation revealed that the individual in question had active felony warrants issued by the Edinburg Police Department and other local agencies. 

To handle the situation, negotiators from the Edinburg PD arrived on the scene, along with the assistance of the Edinburg PD Special Weapons and Tactics Team. 

After careful efforts, by around 8 PM, the suspect was successfully apprehended by Edinburg Police officers without any incident. No injuries were reported.

According to a press release from the Edinburg Police Department, Rodriguez was charged with Unlawful Restraint (Class A Misdemeanor), Assault Family Violence (Class A Misdemeanor) and Resisting arrest (Class A Misdemeanor). Prior warrants included Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (4th Degree Felony) and Indecency with a Child (2nd Degree Felony).

• Rodriguez received the following bonds:
• Indecency with a Child, $80,000
• Unauthorized Use of A Motor Vehicle, $20,000
• Unlawful Restraint, $10,000
• Assault Family Violence, $10,000

Resisting Arrest, $10,000

Rodriguez was transferred to the Hidalgo County Jail.