sexually attacked at knifepoint<\/a> inside the laundry room of the apartment complex located along West Okeechobee Road, Dec. 9.<\/p>\nThe woman\u2019s screams alerted Plaza, who immediately sprang into action.<\/p>\n
Plaza\u2019s instincts and quick actions saved his neighbor from a terrifying situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was around 2:30 in the morning, and I hear a scream; it came down from the laundry room, so I went to check it out,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The good Samaritan arrived to what was a brutal assault inside the laundry room.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe was just pushed against it, and the guy was leaning behind her with her pants down,\u201d said Plaza. \u201cHe had a knife close to her body.\u201d<\/p>\n
Plaza said the man took off running when he realized that he wasn\u2019t alone.<\/p>\n
Detectives used surveillance video from the area, and days later, were able to track down her attacker, whom they identified as 21-year-old Luis Rodas-Martinez.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough video surveillance, our detectives were able to find videos, still images of him, and work in the streets, were able to identify him,\u201d said Hialeah Police Lt. Eddie Rodriguez.<\/p>\n
Rodas-Martinez was arrested and charged with attempted sexual battery and kidnapping with a weapon. He appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy S. Glazer on Monday.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s using a knife to try and forcefully sexually batter the victim,\u201d said Glazer as she read the police report.<\/p>\n
Plaza said his neighbor was shaken but grateful and told him that his actions saved her.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe wanted to thank my wife, you know, my mother-in-law, that I pretty much saved her life,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
While Rodas-Martinez sits behind bars, police said they fear more victims who have not yet come forward could still be out there.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs an abundance of caution, we are asking the community, take a look at him. If you feel that you\u2019ve been a victim of this man, please contact detectives as soon as possible,\u201d said Rodriguez.<\/p>\n
If you or someone you know believes to be a victim of Rodas-Martinez, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.<\/p>\n
Copyright 2025 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.<\/p>\n
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