(Ed. Note: Statements made at this meeting were before the news release was made public.)

Resident and Businessman David Caba listens to the Council proceedings along with several employees of Nelvi Bus Company.
*Photo by Carolyn Maxwell

PERTH AMBOY – December 4, 2013 was the day that Dixon Rodriguez was fatally shot by Police Officers Rafael A. Puntiel and Gina Fontan. This was four and a half months ago and the memory of what happened that day is still on the minds of some residents who spoke at the meeting. One of them was resident David Caba.

A letter from the Middlesex County Prosecutor was sent on April 21, 2014 to Mayor Diaz and Police Chief Ruiz. The letter cleared the two officers of any wrongdoing in the death of Dixon Rodriguez.

When Caba came up to speak, he stated that he is not a racist. “But if an African-American was shot, there would have been an answer in two weeks! The Prosecutor said the evidence supported what the Police said. There are good Police Officers here, but there is a cloud over their heads because of this. Put yourself [the Council] in the family’s place. We have no leaders here – starting at the top.”

Lawyer Daniel Gonzalez said, “I doubted that the Dixon Rodriguez investigation was still ongoing. If that’s the case, we should just say so. This way, the family and community can be at peace.”

Council President Joel Pabon said, “I hoped the County can come out and make a statement on the case (Rodriguez).”

Daniel Gonzalez countered with, “The Prosecutor and Attorney General’s Office are very responsive if we just call them.”

Pabon said, “We have done this.”

Mayor Diaz later remarked, “I am hoping to have a resolution of the Dixon Rodriguez soon.”

(See news release for information forwarded to the Mayor and Police Chief and their statements.)