S. Tahoe gang member faces felony charges

A domestic violence call ended with a known gang member being arrested April 7 on felony battery and drug charges.

Jesus Rodriguez, 20, of South Lake Tahoe is an admitted member of the Norteno criminal street gang and has been involved with prior violent gang related encounters in South Lake Tahoe, according to officers.

Jesus Rodriguez faces felony domestic battery and possession of a controlled substance for sale charges. Photo/Provided

Police officers were called to the residence by the 8-year-old brother of the victim.

“The victim stated she had discovered her husband … had hidden a significant amount of cocaine inside the residence they share with their 2-year-old child,” police Lt. Brian Williams said in a press release. “The victim re-hid the drugs prior to confronting Rodriguez about her discovery. When she refused his demand to return the cocaine to him, Rodriguez allegedly pushed the victim down on a bed and forcibly held her down with his hands around her throat.”

Rodriquez fled the house with the couple’s toddler.

Officers recovered 20.6 grams of cocaine at the house.

Rodriquez was arrested at his brother’s home.

The child was returned its mother.

 — Lake Tahoe News staff report