Renowned for over four decades in the realm of standup comedy, Paul Rodriguez, whose laughter-inducing antics have entertained countless audiences, found himself entangled in a harrowing ordeal on Friday evening when he was apprehended on drug-related charges in Burbank, as confirmed by the authorities to KTLA.
Sergeant Stephen Turner of the Burbank Police Department revealed that Rodriguez, aged 70, was a passenger in a vehicle halted for violating traffic regulations around 7:30 p.m., though the precise location of the stop remained undisclosed. During the subsequent probe, officers stumbled upon illicit substances within the automobile, prompting Rodriguez's arrest.
Rodriguez was subsequently detained at the Burbank Police Jail on charges of narcotics possession before being released with a citation ordering him to appear in court on April 25, elaborated Sgt. Turner.
In an interview with TMZ post-arrest, Rodriguez clarified that although the car belonged to him, he was fast asleep in the passenger seat when he and his friend were pulled over. He further alleged that a "Caucasian" officer, seemingly on a "power trip," roughly awoke him by slapping him.
Rodriguez, who hailed from Mexico but was nurtured in East Los Angeles, embarked on his comedic journey while working as a doorman at The Comedy Club in Hollywood, as stated on his IMDb profile. He gained his big break as an opening act for various shows and eventually warmed up the audience for Norman Lear's fleeting sitcom "Gloria" in 1982.
His fame soared with "El Show de Paul Rodriguez," and he ventured into directing in 1994 with "A Million to Juan." He later starred in several 2000s movies, notably "Blood Work" and "The World's Fastest Indian."
Incidentally, Rodriguez shares his name with his son, Paul, affectionately known as "P-Rod," a professional skateboarder who has amassed eight medals, including four golds, in street skateboarding at the X Games spanning from 2003 to 2013.
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