On September 28, 2025, at approximately 11:31 P.M., Officer Hansen of the Austin Police Department was on routine patrol traveling eastbound on Oakland Avenue West near Street in the City of Austin, County of Mower, when he observed a 2009 Pontiac G8 (MN license SJB611) traveling westbound at a high rate of speed. Hansen activated his front-facing radar and locked the vehicle's speed at 68 mph in a 35-mph zone. Hansen then pulled to the side of the road and waited for the vehicle to pass. As the vehicle passed, Hansen activated his emergency lights, turned around, and attempted to catch up to the vehicle.
As Officer Hansen got behind the vehicle, the vehicle increased its speed, so Hansen activated his siren. The vehicle continued south onto 25th Street SW, quickly negotiating the turn despite space to slow down and pull over on Oakland Avenue West. Hansen pursued the vehicle and as he turned south on 25th Street, he saw the vehicle turn into the Center Court Apartments parking lot located at 200 25th Street SW. Hansen knew the parking lot only had one entrance and believed the driver was going to exit or stop the vehicle.
Hansen continued the pursuit. Officer Hansen entered the parking lot and observed the driver, EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ, DOB/062300, the defendant herein, standing next to the driver's door of the suspect vehicle. Hansen also observed the vehicle to be parked between two parking stalls at an angle with the wheels still turned to the left. Officer Hansen exited his squad and made contact with the defendant. The defendant initially appeared confused as to why he was being contacted. Hansen advised the defendant the reason for the contact and the defendant claimed he had just come from his house.
Officer Hansen asked the defendant for his identification. The defendant stated that his ID was in his car and provided the officer with his name and date of birth. The defendant then stated that he wanted to explain to Hansen what happened. Hansen clarified with the defendant that he was now admitting to driving to which the defendant stated, "yeah" and nodded his head. The defendant stated he was scared and nervous. Officer Hansen asked the defendant for consent to enter the vehicle to retrieve his ID and to ensure there was nothing illegal inside the car.
The defendant agreed. Hansen located the defendant's wallet and ran his ID. Hansen learned the defendant's driving privileges are revoked. Officer Hansen asked the defendant how fast he thought he was driving. The defendant responded, "60, probably more." The defendant admitted that he "saw you guys and started speeding again." The defendant clarified that when he saw Hansen turn around, he "sped up." The defendant stated that he sped up because he was nervous. Hansen asked the defendant "you were trying to get away from me, right?" The defendant replied, "yeah, yeah, yeah" while nodding "yes." The defendant confirmed 3 he saw that Hansen's vehicle was a fully marked squad.
