Editor’s note: The following press release update was issued by the City of Whitewater Police Department on October 16 at 12:55 p.m.

Whitewater Police Search for Potentially Armed Suspect at Large – SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

On Monday, October 16, 2023, at 11:11 a.m., officers of the Whitewater Police Department took Yefferson Guzman Rodriguez into custody. Officers initially spotted Guzman Rodriguez in the 900 block of Highland St. and he immediately fled on foot. Officers pursued Guzman Rodriguez on foot and took him into custody in the 300 block of S. Prince St. Guzman Rodriguez actively resisted officers’ attempts to take him into custody, and a taser was successfully deployed ending the pursuit.

Whitewater Unified School District staff were notified immediately that the suspect was approaching the area of Lincoln Elementary. The school was placed in a “hold lock” status until officers completed a search of the path Guzman Rodriguez ran to ensure that no weapons were found in the area.

Additional investigation of the incident occurring on the night of October 15th revealed that the victim, an adult female, had been battered and strangled. It was reported that at one point the victim lost consciousness. The suspect will be confined in the Walworth County Jail, and the following charges will be forwarded to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office: Kidnapping (Wis. Stat. 940.31(1)(c)), False Imprisonment (Wis. Stat. 940.30), 1st Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety (Wis. Stat. 941.30(1)), Substantial Battery (Wis. Stat. 940.19(2)), Strangulation (Wis. Stat. 940.235), Disorderly Conduct (Wis. Stat. 947.01), and Resist/Obstruct Officer (Wis. Stat. 946.41(1)).

The Whitewater Police Department thanks those who provided tips and assisted in the investigation. It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.

Editor’s note: The following press release was issued by the City of Whitewater Police Department on October 16 at 8:16 a.m.

On Sunday, October 15, 2023, at 10:23 pm, the Whitewater Police Department received a report of a female needing assistance at 363 S. Janesville Street. Officers learned that Yefferson Guzman Rodriguez, 18, of Whitewater, had reportedly held the female, an acquaintance, against her will for multiple days, and at [a] point held a gun against her head. Guzman Rodriguez is described as 5’8” tall, 150 pounds, and he is a Spanish speaker.

It is believed that Guzman Rodriguez fled from the residence upon arrival of officers. It was reported that he was armed at that time, and had potentially barricaded himself in a detached garage or in the basement of the residence. Guzman Rodriguez had made comments to the victim about willingness to harm law enforcement. Officers set a perimeter around the residence and garage. The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and Beloit Police Department SWAT team responded to assist in the search of the property. The suspect was not located on the property during the search. Whitewater Police simultaneously searched multiple residences occupied by individuals known to the suspect without locating him.

At this time Guzman Rodriguez is still at large and is considered to be armed. He reportedly possesses multiple rifles. Guzman Rodriguez is wanted for the following crimes: Kidnapping, False Imprisonment, Recklessly Endangering Safety, Intentionally Point Firearm at Person, and Disorderly Conduct.

Whitewater Police have been in contact with staff from the Whitewater Unified School District as well as UW-Whitewater Police so that appropriate security measures can be put in place. We are asking the public to be vigilant. If you see something suspicious, contact the Whitewater Police Department immediately at 262-473-0555 option #4. Call 911 in an emergency. Anonymous tips may be shared using P3Tips.com. The Whitewater Police Department thanks the assisting law enforcement agencies for sending their staff and resources.

It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.

Editor’s note: The following announcement has been released by UW-Whitewater to the campus community.

Campus community,

UW-Whitewater Police are in regular communication with City of Whitewater Police and the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department regarding the ongoing search for a potentially armed suspect wanted for crimes in the city. Because of the information we have, the university remains open and operational and classes are continuing as scheduled.

• As a precaution, campus police have increased foot patrols, mobile patrols and video surveillance.
• Students who live in residence halls should continue to follow good safety practices by not opening the doors for others, and only allowing access via HawkCard.
• As part of our operational procedures, as with any situation, please use your own best judgment and consider your personal safety before deciding to attend classes or work. Students, as always, make sure you communicate with your instructors if you won’t be in class. Employees who cannot make it safely to work should contact their supervisors and request appropriate leave or make arrangements for remote work as their job duties allow.

City of Whitewater Police are asking the public to be vigilant. If you see something suspicious, contact the Whitewater Police Department immediately at 262-473-0555 option #4. Call 911 in an emergency. Anonymous tips may be shared using P3Tips.com.