MIAMI — A Miami man is behind bars after police say he broke into a neighbor’s apartment early Sunday morning and committed an alleged assault before fleeing the scene.
According to investigators, the incident happened shortly before 4 a.m. in the Flagami neighborhood. The victim told police he had returned home late Saturday night and went to sleep, unsure whether his apartment door had been fully secured.
The man said he later woke up to find someone inside his bedroom. Realizing an intruder was present, he immediately called 911. Officers responding to the scene said the victim reported inappropriate and disturbing behavior by the suspect before the intruder left the apartment.
Police said the victim provided a description of the suspect and the direction he fled. Officers located a 34-year-old man matching that description a short distance from the apartment complex. The victim later identified the man as the person who entered his home.
The suspect, identified as Maykel Rodriguez Jr., was arrested without incident. Police said Rodriguez lives nearby.
Rodriguez is facing multiple felony charges, including burglary of an occupied dwelling, battery and indecent exposure. Investigators said the circumstances of the case led prosecutors to seek enhanced charges related to the alleged assault.
During a bond hearing, defense attorneys noted Rodriguez’s prior military service and requested bond. Prosecutors argued the severity of the alleged actions warranted continued detention.
A judge agreed with prosecutors and ordered Rodriguez held without bond. A future court hearing has been scheduled as the case proceeds through the judicial system.
If convicted, Rodriguez could face significant prison time under Florida law.
Miami-Dade police urged residents to take precautions such as locking doors and reporting suspicious activity, emphasizing that prompt calls to 911 can help officers respond quickly to crimes in progress.
