Lou Rodriguez

Lou Rodriguez
Affiliation	Detective Lieutenant, Commander of Metro-Dade Organized Crime Bureau
Status	Deceased, shot dead by Ludovici Armstrong onboard James "Sonny" Crockett's boat
Spouse/Children	Maria, two children
Episodes Appeared In	"Brother's Keeper" "Heart of Darkness" "Cool Runnin'" "The Hit List"
Played By	Gregory Sierra

Lou Rodriguez was the first Lieutenant of the OCB. He was played by Gregory Sierra. He was killed in the episode "Calderone's Return (Part I: The Hit List)" after being shot by hitman Ludivicio Armstrong.

Background

Not much background is given about Lt. Rodriguez, however it is established he has a wife named Maria, a son named Hector, and a unnamed daughter. Rodriguez is shown to have a background with Crockett, as it is mentioned that Crockett, Scottie Wheeler, and himself worked together in Vice in years proceding the advent of the series. Rodriguez was probably the lieutenant of Vice for many years, as he and Sonny have a good relationship, and Rodriguez knows a great deal of criminals and federal contacts.

Relationship with Sonny

Rodriguez and Sonny had a good working relationship, almost like brothers. In the episode "Heart of Darkness", Rodriguez shows his concern about Sonny going into a undercover operation with no knowledge if Arthur Lawson had changed sides. In the episode "Calderone's Return (Part I: The Hit List)", Rodriguez argues for his protection after his name appears on a hit list. Rodriguez takes Sonny to his boat to collect his things, but takes a bullet for Sonny after a hitman hired by Esteban Calderone fires at an unsuspecting Sonny.

Death

As mentioned, Rodriguez is killed after taking a bullet meant for Crockett. As Crockett climbs the stairs of his boat to answer his phone, hitman Ludivicio Armstrong fires at an unsuspecting Sonny, as Rodriguez pushes Sonny to safety and takes the bullet in his chest. Rodriguez clings to life as Sonny and Rico chase down the hitman and his handler, and after the hitman is killed in a shootout with Crockett and Tubbs, they are given word Rodriguez has died. They then go to the Bahamas to avenge his death.