By KRWG News
Las Cruces – Las Cruces Police arrested a man who physically assaulted two teenagers and stole a bicycle Tuesday evening.
Joe Elevino Rodriguez, 27, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of battery, larceny, concealing his identity, and resisting or evading an officer.
Shortly before 11 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, Las Cruces Police were called to the Juvenile Assessment and Reporting Center at 1089 E. Amador Ave.
LCPD detectives learned that the teens were sitting outside of the JARC when Rodriguez approached and asked to use a telephone. The teens asked that Rodriguez leave and he did, briefly, before he returned and asked for money. Rodriguez was again turned down at which point he began to steal a bicycle belonging to one of the teens.
A struggle ensued and Rodriguez struck one of the teens with a closed fist and threatened them with a large rock. He also attempted to strike the teens with the bicycle. The teenagers were not seriously injured.
Rodriguez eventually fled from the premises when a JARC counselor emerged from the building and ordered him to stop.
Rodriguez was subsequently located and detained by Las Cruces Police officers. Because he was found to be in violation of his parole, he is being held without bond at the Dona Ana County Detention Center.