Kidany Rivera-Rolon Arrested in Connection with Carjacking, Possession of a Weapon

SAN JUAN—On April 28, 2013, Kidany Rivera-Rolon was taken into custody by the FBI. Rivera-Rolon was charged with carjacking and the use of a weapon during a crime of violence.

A federal complaint states that on April 28, 2013, at approximately 3:45 a.m., JCP (victim 1), was having a conversation with CPB (victim 2), GRN (victim 3), and DV (victim 4) after departing from a social club in San Juan, Puerto Rico. JCP, CPB, GRN, and DV were standing next to JCP’s vehicle, described as 2011 Suzuki SX4, grey in color, bearing Puerto Rico license plate HPI-054, VIN JS24C5A25B6302106. While having a social conversation with CPB, GRN, and DV, two males approached them asking for a cigarette. JCP provided them with a cigarette.

One of the males, while holding a silver handgun, later identified by POPR as a Browning Arms Comp. Serial BDA-380-425, against JCP’s torso demanded the keys to the vehicle, money, and cell phones. Subject #1, later identified by Police of Puerto Rico (POPR) as Kidany Rivera-Rolon, was described as dark-skinned, with slim build and piercing on his face and mouth and wearing a T-shirt and a pair of pants with the “Jordan” logo. This male had a beanie-type hat also with the Jordan logo on it. Subject #2, later identified by POPR as JNO (minor) was described as heavy-set, appeared younger in age, with a “baby face,” wearing jeans and a white shirt.

JCP and GRN were located talking next to the driver’s side of the vehicle, and CBP and DV were located in the back passenger side of the vehicle. JCP and GRN started to comply with the demands asked from Rivera-Rolon. Rivera-Rolon, while pointing the handgun at JCP’s torso, stated “Que no me mires o te mando 60,” [agent’s English interpretation: Don’t look at me or I will shoot you] while asking for their belongings. JCP and GRN complied with Rivera-Rolon’s orders and gave him what they had, including the keys to the vehicle.

At some point, DV was able to step out of the vehicle without being noticed through the other passenger side door while Rivera-Rolon and JNO were robbing them. DV went to a social club located in the vicinity of the incident from where DV requested help from the employees.

JNO robbed CBP of CPB’s belongings while Rivera-Rolon stepped in the vehicle and turned it on.

Thereafter, JNO walked around the vehicle and stepped in followed by their departure. Rivera-Rolon (driver) drove away toward San Juan, Puerto Rico, on John F. Kennedy Avenue.

Upon Rivera-Rolon’s and JNO’s departure, JCP utilizing, a cell phone, contacted the 9-1-1 emergency system. POPR personnel arrived at the scene and took the complaint.

On April 28, 2013, at approximately 4:00 a.m., a POPR marked unit driving around the vicinity of the Roberto H. Todd Street, Santurce, Puerto Rico, spotted the stolen vehicle driving down the aforementioned street. POPR personnel engaged in a high-speed pursuit that ended when the stolen vehicle crashed against a vehicle driving by that subsequently caused the stolen vehicle to bounce and lose control. The stolen vehicle then crashed against the bridge located at the intersection of the Roberto H. Todd Street and the Baldorioty De Castro Avenue. POPR placed both subjects under arrest. The subjects were identified by POPR as Kidany Rivera-Rolon (driver) and a JNO (minor), who was sitting in the front passenger side seat.

On April 28, 2013, POPR conducted a physical lineup with both subjects at the POPR Headquarters, San Juan, Puerto Rico. During the physical lineup, JCP, CPB, and GRN positively identified the subjects arrested by POPR driving the stolen vehicle as the assailants, who by force and violence or by intimidation and using a firearm took JCP’s vehicle and other personal belongings.

On April 28, 2013, personnel from the FBI Save Our Streets Initiative (hereafter referred to as the “agents”) interviewed Rivera-Rolon at the POPR Headquarters, San Juan, Puerto Rico. The agents provided Rivera-Rolon with his Constitutional rights before having any conversations regarding the carjacking incident. Rivera-Rolon waived his rights in writing and made several statements regarding his involvement.

Rivera-Rolon stated that in the early hours of April 28, 2013, Rivera-Rolon and JNO approached a group of people gathered around a vehicle in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Upon arrival, Rivera-Rolon pulled out a silver handgun, pointed it at one of the present, and demanded the keys to the vehicle, money, and the cell phones. While Rivera-Rolon robbed the people gathered next to the driver’s side of the vehicle, JNO robbed the ones in the back. Thereafter, Rivera-Rolon and JNO stepped in the vehicle and drove away from the scene.

If convicted, the defendant faces up to a maximum of 15 years’ imprisonment for taking a vehicle from a person by force and violence or by intimidation (carjacking). He could also face an additional five to seven years’ imprisonment for the use of a weapon during a crime of violence.

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Zenon and is being investigated by the Safe Our Streets Task Force (SOS) composed of the FBI, Police of Puerto Rico, and the San Juan Municipal Police.

The public is reminded that a criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.