As reported by TMZ, the 70-year-old comedian was driving in Burbank when he was stopped for a traffic violation, which escalated into an arrest for suspected drug possession following a search of his vehicle.
Comedian Paul Rodriguez was subsequently taken into custody, asserting that the narcotics were not his and alleging that the officer acted inappropriately during the search. The Daily Mail noted that Rodriguez suspected the incident was racially motivated.
At the time of the traffic stop, he was reportedly asleep in the passenger seat, and the officer, whom he described as ‘Caucasian,’ allegedly slapped him to awaken him. Regarding the drugs, Rodriguez stated they belonged to his friend, who was driving the vehicle.
Despite his friend’s admission that the drugs were hers, Rodriguez was arrested, claiming he was ‘roughed up’ and that his vehicle was being impounded. The Daily Mail further reported that officials indicated Rodriguez was cited and released for misdemeanor drug possession, with the case set to be forwarded to the city attorney for review, although they did not comment on his allegations.
Rodriguez has faced difficult times lately due to the loss of his longtime friend, Donald Serrato, who passed away while visiting the comedian’s residence in Los Angeles. It has been reported that he died of natural causes.
Rodriguez has enjoyed a successful career in comedy for more than four decades, participating in prominent television shows including The Golden Girls, Touched By An Angel, and The Twilight Zone, as well as lending his voice to animated series such as King Of The Hill, Dora The Explorer, and The Proud Family.
