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Palm Beach County, FL - A man was arrested at Palm Beach International Airport on Tuesday morning after authorities allegedly discovered a loaded AR-15 rifle and several knives in his rental car.
Authorities say 41-year-old Michael Rodrigues was taken into custody by deputies after airport personnel reported a suspicious individual outside a vehicle in a restricted parking area around 7:10 a.m.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies found Rodrigues standing outside the car and observed that the vehicle was a rental.
When they opened the glove compartment to retrieve the rental agreement, deputies found a fully loaded AR-15 magazine inside.
A further search of the car revealed a fully loaded AR-15 rifle and multiple knives concealed under a blanket on the seat.
Rodrigues was arrested without incident and charged with trespassing in an operational area at the airport, possession of cocaine, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
His extensive criminal record includes previous arrests for felonies such as battery, burglary, and grand theft auto.
Rodrigues is currently being interviewed by detectives as part of the investigation.
The authorities are working to determine the intent behind the weapons and if any criminal activity was planned.
His possession of firearms, especially as a convicted felon, is a serious federal offense.
The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may follow as the case develops.