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Comedian Paul Rodriguez Faces Legal Battle with Police Following Arrest
Published April 2, 2025 9:00 AM PDT
Paul Rodriguez is gearing up for a significant legal challenge against the Burbank Police Department following his recent arrest for alleged drug possession. The situation has escalated into a contentious dispute involving starkly opposing narratives from both Rodriguez and the police, as reported by TMZ.
The renowned actor and comedian’s arrest unfolded on a Friday evening when he was pulled over alongside a female companion, who was behind the wheel. During the traffic stop, officers conducted a search that reportedly uncovered drugs in the woman’s purse. In a striking allegation, Rodriguez claimed that an officer physically assaulted him during the incident, leading his attorney, Bobby Samini, to assert that this action amounted to a violation of Rodriguez’s civil rights.
Burbank police, however, have categorically dismissed Rodriguez’s claims, stating that they are aware of the allegations of police misconduct that are presently under administrative review. In a response to TMZ, department spokespeople indicated that there are inconsistencies in Rodriguez’s account, noting that he did not mention any perceived misconduct during a conversation with a watch commander post-release.
According to law enforcement insiders, the arrest was recorded via police body cameras, although the department has opted not to release the footage at this time due to the investigation being labeled an “active criminal case.” Additional details revealed that suspected fentanyl and several glass pipes were found within the vehicle, with ongoing examinations of the substances collected.
Responding to the police’s remarks, attorney Samini vehemently refuted the claims against his client, stating, “The assertion that Mr. Rodriguez was in possession of any controlled substance is absolutely false. Statements by anonymous sources that contradict this are cowardly and irresponsible.”
Samini emphasized Rodriguez’s honorable service as a retired member of the United States Air Force and highlighted his client’s dedication to fighting these accusations. “He was forcibly removed from the vehicle, arrested, and subsequently strip-searched, with no controlled substances found on him or in his possession,” Samini disclosed, expressing that the manner of the arrest was not to protect the community, but rather to humiliate Rodriguez.
In his final remarks, Samini articulated Rodriguez’s commitment to justice: “Mr. Rodriguez, a passenger in the vehicle, was treated like a dangerous criminal. He believes in the judicial system and will seek justice from a jury of his peers. Mr. Rodriguez will exercise his legal rights and work to clear his name.”
Source
www.tmz.com