Queens, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced the sentencing of Rodolfo Montero, 29, to 18 years in prison for his aggressive actions, including firing an assault rifle at NYPD officers. The incident, which occurred on September 13, 2020, in College Point, involved Montero responding violently to a domestic dispute, endangering his girlfriend, their child, and responding officers.
The confrontation began with an argument between Montero and his 28-year-old girlfriend at their 125th Street residence, escalating to physical violence. Montero choked his girlfriend, later punching her in the face in the presence of their 1-year-old child. When his mother attempted to intervene, Montero also assaulted her. Montero then escalated the situation by threatening his girlfriend’s life with an assault rifle. Both women, along with the child, fled the home and sought police assistance.
Responding to the 911 call around 4:30 p.m., NYPD officers were met with gunfire from Montero, who fired multiple rounds from a second-floor window, striking a vehicle parked behind their patrol car. The officers managed to avoid injury by taking cover. Montero continued firing from a first-floor window before eventually exiting the home and surrendering to the police. Authorities recovered an assault rifle and other ballistic evidence from the scene.
Montero pleaded guilty to attempted murder in the second degree last month. Today, he was sentenced by Queens Supreme Court Justice Stephanie Zaro to 18 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision.
District Attorney Katz commended the bravery of the officers involved and highlighted the impact of domestic violence on the victims. She urged individuals experiencing domestic violence to seek help through the DA’s office, offering resources such as safety planning services, orders of protection, and shelter placement. The 24-hour DV Helpline is available at 718-286-4410 for those in need.