Ridge, NY - November 17th, 2013 - Suffolk County Police today arrested a Ridge man after he killed his girlfriend outside of their apartment and shot at responding officers.
Seventh Precinct officers were called to 1204 Village Drive at approximately 11:40 a.m. after several 911 callers reported hearing gunshots at Brookwood at Ridge Garden Apartments. Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman lying on the front lawn of the apartment building. Officers were able to move the woman to safety, but it was later determined that she was dead from an apparent gunshot wound.
Officers from the Emergency Service Section and the Hostage Negotiation Team responded and negotiators were able to get Jose Rodriguez III to release his two children that were in the apartment with him. Sometime later, while Rodriguez was still in the apartment, he fired multiple rounds from a rifle at Emergency Services officers. No officers were injured and multiple bullets struck an armored Emergency Service Section vehicle. Officers fired back at the Rodriguez, who was not injured, and he surrendered.
Rodriguez was taken into custody at approximately 1:45 p.m.
Rodriguez was taken into custody at approximately 1:45 p.m.
Rodriguez’ girlfriend, Kimberly Sellitto, 36, also of 1204 Village Drive, was pronounced dead at the scene. The two children, who were not injured, were released to the custody of their mother.
Homicide Squad detectives charged Rodriguez, 32, of 1204 Village Drive, Ridge, with Murder 2nd Degree and Attempted Aggravated Murder. Rodriguez will be held overnight and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on November 18.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Incident: Man Arrested After Killing Girlfriend and Shooting at Responding Officers
Location: Brookwood at Ridge Garden Apartments, 1204 Village Drive, Ridge
Date/Time: Sunday, November 17, 2013 at approximately 11:40 a.m.