By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Gil Fabian Rodriguez

WARSAW — A Mishawaka man will serve 4 1/2 years in prison after a physical altercation with a woman led to him shooting at her vehicle. When officers later found him, he was in possession of a plethora of drugs.

Gil Fabian Rodriguez, 27, 421 E. Tenth St., Mishawaka, was charged with possession of cocaine, a level 3 felony; possession of methamphetamine, a level 5 felony; and criminal recklessness, domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury and dealing in marijuana, all level 6 felonies. Six additional criminal charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Rodriguez was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court on Thursday, Feb. 4.

On June 7, 2018, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s officers responded to a domestic battery call where shots had been fired. The suspect, identified as Rodriguez, left the scene in a vehicle.

Officers found the vehicle and pulled the vehicle over. Rodriguez, who was a passenger in the vehicle, exited and fled on foot. Officers were able to apprehend Rodriguez.

According to court documents, while searching the vehicle, officers found 2 1/2 pounds of marijuana, five grams of methamphetamine, 29 grams of cocaine and a loaded and uncased handgun.

Officers then spoke with the woman Rodriguez battered. The woman had contusions on both arms, bite marks on her left bicep and swelling and bruising on her head.

Two children were present when the battery occurred. After the incident, Rodriguez grabbed a firearm and shot at the woman’s vehicle while the children were still present.

During court proceedings, Defense Attorney John Barrett said Rodriguez has taken full responsibility for his actions and has all the tools he needs to be a successful person.

“I accept responsibility for what I’ve done,” said Rodriguez. “I’ve come a long way since then.”

For possession of cocaine and possession of methamphetamine, Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed sentenced Rodriguez to six years in the Indiana Department of Corrections on each count. Both counts will be served concurrently, or at the same time.

For criminal recklessness, domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury and dealing in marijuana, Judge Reed sentenced Rodriguez to one year in DoC on each count. All three counts will be served consecutively.

This case will also be served consecutively to a domestic battery case.

In total, for this case, Rodriguez received a nine-year prison sentence, with half of the sentence suspended on probation. He will serve 4 1/2 years in prison and was recommended for the Recovery While Incarcerated program.