Gas Station Gun Threat Sends Rochester Man to Prison

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A gun threat at a Rochester gas station has resulted in a prison sentence for a Rochester man.

Read More: Guilty Plea for Gun Threat at Rochester Convenience Store

42-year-old Jesus Rodriguez was arrested in July of 2023 after he was identified as the person who allegedly pulled a handgun out of his waistband and threatened to kill another man while the victim was pumping gas into his car.

In April, Rodriguez agreed to a plea deal, which required he enter a guilty plea to felon in possession of a firearm charge in exchange for the dismissal of felony counts of second-degree assault and terroristic threats.

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The criminal complaint in the case says the victim told Rochester police he was approached by a man he did not know who was yelling in both Spanish and English before the man went back to his vehicle and came back with a handgun.

The court document also indicates police were able to obtain a video recorded by the business’ surveillance cameras that captured the incident.

TJ Leverentz/TSM Rochester

Rodriguez later admitted pointing the gun at the victim after investigators obtained a search warrant and recovered the weapon, the charges say.

The gas station where the incident happened is not disclosed in court documents.

Rochester Man Gets Prison Sentence for Gun Threat at Gas Station

On Thursday, Rodriguez was sentenced to five years in prison, which is the mandatory minimum sentence for his conviction.

Court records indicate the Olmsted County Judge presiding over the case denied a motion filed by Rodriguez requesting a downward sentencing departure.

The 60 month prison term was recommended by the prosecution in exchange for the guilty plea in the case.

Rodriguez was convicted of felony third-degree criminal sexual conduct in Olmsted County in 2001, according to court records.