Police Sergeant Identified as White Bear Lake Drowning Victim

Jun 22

A 40-year-old woman is dead after she jumped into White Bear Lake on Sunday afternoon and never resurfaced, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said the woman had been on a pontoon boat on the east side of the lake when the incident occurred.

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The woman has been identified as Beverly Rodriguez, 40, a sergeant with the Metro Transit Police Department.

*Sgt. Beverly Rodriguez,* ***via National Latino Peace Officers Assoc.***

The National Latino Peace Officers Association announced Monday afternoon that Rodriguez died despite life-saving efforts.

Deputies were dispatched just before 2:30 p.m. to the area near Dellwood Road & Echo Street after receiving a 911 call reporting that the woman was in the water while holding onto the pontoon boat. At some point, she lost her grip, went under the water and never resurfaced.

Rescue crews from multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Washington County Fire Department Dive Team and water patrol units from both Washington and Ramsey counties. The Minnesota State Patrol helicopter was also requested to assist with an aerial search.

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Divers entered the water and began a coordinated search around the pontoon's last known location. After more than 40 minutes underwater, Rodriguez was located by divers and brought to the surface. She was transferred to a rescue boat and brought to shore, then taken by ambulance to Regions Hospital in Saint Paul, where she was pronounced dead.

Rodriguez served as NLPOA's northern vice president and was a member of the Metro Transit Police Department's Homeless Action Team.

"Beverly was more than a dedicated leader, she was a compassionate advocate, a trusted mentor, and a tireless servant to our mission and membership," the organization said in a written statement. "Her unwavering commitment to justice, community service and the advancement of our organization was evident in every role she undertook."

An online fundraiser has been organized by the National Latino Peace Officers Association to support Rodriguez’s family: CLICK HERE TO DONATE

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