News Nearby: Man Charged With Killing Girlfriend, Shooting At Police

A Ridge man was arrested Sunday after police said he killed his girlfriend outside of their apartment and shot at officers rushing to help.

According to Suffolk County Police, Seventh Precinct officers were called to the drama unfolding at Village Drive in Ridge at approximately 11:40 a.m. Sunday after several 911 callers reported hearing gunshots at Brookwood at Ridge Garden Apartments.

Upon arrival, officers said they discovered a woman lying on the front lawn of the apartment building. Police were able to move the woman to safety, but it was later determined that she was dead from an apparent gunshot wound, officials said.

Officers from the Emergency Service Section and the hostage negotiation team responded; negotiators were able to get Jose Rodriguez III, who lived at the Ridge residence, to release his two children, who were still in the apartment with him, police said.

Later, while Rodriguez was still in the apartment, police said he fired multiple rounds from a rifle at Emergency Services officers.

No officers were injured but multiple bullets struck an armored Emergency Service Section vehicle. Officers fired back at the Rodriguez, who was not injured, and he surrendered.  

Rodriguez was taken into custody at approximately 1:45 p.m., police said. Homicide Squad detectives charged Rodriguez, 32, with murder in the second degree, a felony, and attempted aggravated murder. 

Rodriguez was held overnight and was scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Monday.

Rodriguez’ girlfriend, Kimberly Sellitto, 36, was pronounced dead at the scene. The two children, who were not injured, were released to the custody of their mother.