Detectives from the Pinellas Park Police Department continue to investigate a homicide that occurred on Friday, September 10th, 2021, at approximately 1:00 a.m.
The incident reportedly occurred at the Cortland Gateway Apartments located at 9505 49th Street N in Pinellas Park.
Officers received information of a possible homicide that occurred at the apartment complex and responded to the scene. At approximately the same time the Pinellas Park Police Department received the information, an unidentified deceased male was located in St. Petersburg, FL. In partnership with the St. Petersburg Police Department, the deceased male was ultimately identified as 31 year-old Dravode McDade of Pinellas Park, who was determined to be the victim of the homicide in Pinellas Park.
Pinellas Park Police Department detectives conducted an extensive investigation and the suspect of the homicide was identified as 33 year-old Rodney Sales of St. Petersburg. An arrest warrant was obtained for Rodney Sales and it was determined he had fled to the Miami area. On Sunday, September 12, 2021, the Miami-Dade Police Department arrested Rodney Sales for First Degree Murder based on the arrest warrant. He will be extradited to Pinellas County.
Any persons having information regarding this incident are asked to contact Sergeant Roxanne Pohl with the Pinellas Park Police Department (727-369-7864). Additionally, those who wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers (1-800-973-TIPS).