Man claiming to be Ricky Martin backup dancer accused of beating girlfriend

Sherhan Rodriguez, 31, accused of beating girlfriend over photos, texts

MIAMI ā€“ A man who told a Miami-Dade County judge that he works as a backup dancer for Ricky Martin was arrested Wednesday on domestic violence charges.

According to an arrest report, the charges stem from a Nov. 26 incident in which Sherhan Rodriguez, 31, became enraged at his girlfriend after he found pictures and text messages he didn't like on her cellphone while they were at Blue Martini in downtown Miami.

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Police said Rodriguez became aggressive as they both got into the woman's car and slapped her with an open hand numerous times. He then struck her so hard in the face that she almost crashed her car as she was approaching Biscayne Boulevard and Northeast 17th Street, police said.

Two witnesses told detectives that they saw Rodriguez hitting the victim inside the car, causing her to bleed from her nose.

In December, the woman posted a photo of herself with a bloody nose and knot on her head, stating that she was doing better after becoming a victim of domestic violence.

"Currently I am in better health, thank God," she wrote. "I did not suffer any serious injuries, but I am having difficulty breathing through the nose, which has affected me a lot as I try to resume my dancing. The swelling has not disappeared completely. I opened my eyes to a situation of violence, lies, betrayals and suffering."

According to the report, Rodriguez got out of the woman's car once they got inside the parking garage of her apartment building, but jumped back in through the passenger-side window and continued beating her.

Police said surveillance video captured the attack.

Rodriguez is also accused of damaging the woman's rearview mirror, causing about $200 in damage.

He was arrested Wednesday on charges of battery, burglary and criminal mischief.

Judge Mindy Glazer told Rodriguez Thursday that if he bonds out of jail, he will be allowed to return to the victim's apartment one time accompanied by a police officer to retrieve his belongings from her home.

According to the victim's Twitter page, she recently participated in a campaign against domestic violence through Amnesty International in January.


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.