Police nab suspected reckless motorcyclist in viral video

SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Police Department has apprehended a man who caught authorities' attention when he uploaded a helmet-cam video of a motorcyclist — purportedly himself — speeding between vehicles on a San Antonio highway.

Albert Rodriguez, 26, was taken into custody Monday at a home in the 600 block of Karen Lane after officers with the REACT Auto Theft Task Force, consisting of police officers and sheriff's deputies, responded to a tip about a stolen motorcycle.

Rodriguez's video, titled “Catch Me If You Can,” has since appeared on CNN and other national newscasts. It first came under police radar after someone posted it on the San Antonio Police Department's Facebook page.

The clip showed a motorcyclist splitting lanes on northbound Interstate 35 at high speeds in heavy traffic. Clicking on the video led police to Rodriguez's Facebook page.

Albert Rodriguez was arrested Monday, after a helmet-cam video showing a motorcyclist — purportedly himself — speeding between vehicles on Interstate 35 had caught the attention of authorities. Albert Rodriguez was arrested Monday, after a helmet-cam video showing a motorcyclist — purportedly himself — speeding between vehicles on Interstate 35 had caught the attention of authorities. Photo: Drew Joseph/Express-News Photo: Drew Joseph/Express-News Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Police nab suspected reckless motorcyclist in viral video 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Officers at SAPD's San Antonio Regional Intelligence Center were able to determine that Rodriguez had several outstanding warrants on charges including retaliation, evading arrest and family violence.

When investigators showed up to pursue the stolen motorcycle tip, Rodriguez ran out behind the home but was apprehended, police said. The stolen motorcycle found at the home was not the one being ridden in the infamous video, they said.

Police did not know they were going to find Rodriguez when responding to the tip.

“It was by coincidence that this individual happened to be arrested,” Chief William McManus said at the scene of the arrest.

Rodriguez now faces the outstanding warrants, a misdemeanor assault charge and might be charged in connection with the stolen motorcycle, police said.

“He wanted attention, obviously, by posting this video to Facebook,” Sgt. Javier Salazar, an SAPD spokesman, previously told the San Antonio Express-News. “He's got some now. I don't know if it's the kind he wanted.”

djoseph@express-news.net