Jan 15, 2008 7:56 pm US/Eastern
Gang Member Taunts Dade Cops On YouTube
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
A reputed South Florida gang member has found a high tech way to mock the Miami Dade Police Department.
31-year old Rudy Villanueva, also know as "Bird Road Rudy," has posted a series of taunting videos on the internet site YouTube.
In the videos, 5 in all, Villanueva and several other gun toting pals can seen hanging out in several South Miami Dade locations saying they're "out here fighting a cold war" and challenging the police department's gang unit to come after them. A counter on YouTube indicates the videos have been viewed more than 1,200 times.
"Metro gang bang unit. Here I am," he exclaims in another part of the clip.
While he talks, he is accompanied by another man, both of them holding up what appear to be assault rifles.
Police records show Villanueva is no stranger to law enforcement; he's been arrested at least 33 times since 1995 for drugs, possession of a weapon, assault and auto theft.
Ironically, the harshest punishment Villanueva has received to date is probation. But attorney and former prosecutor Herbert Walker says this gang member may be digging his own grave with the video.
"I think he's in a great deal of jeopardy," said Walker. "He has placed himself in a position where he can be arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon." Lt. Nancy Perez, with Miami-Dade Police, released the following statement: "We are not going to entertain this guy. You know what this guy wants, he wants attention, and we're not going to give it to him."
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