Authorities arrested Michael Rodrigues, 41, early Tuesday (August 5) after finding a loaded AR-15 rifle and several knives in a rental car at Palm Beach International Airport. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responded around 7:10 a.m. after airport staff reported a suspicious individual in a restricted parking area. Deputies found Rodrigues outside the vehicle, reportedly getting dressed, and discovered a fully loaded AR-15 magazine in the glove compartment. A search of the vehicle revealed the rifle and knives hidden under a blanket on the seat.
Rodrigues, who has no known local address, was taken into custody without incident and is being interviewed by detectives. He faces charges of trespassing on airport property, possession of cocaine, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Rodrigues has a history of multiple felony arrests, including battery, burglary, and grand theft auto.
The airport, known to be used by President Donald Trump, was not hosting him at the time of the incident. Officials said that no threats were made, and the motive remains unclear. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking a search warrant for further examination of the vehicle and related evidence.
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