Neighbor Feels Regret After Teenager Drowns

Neighbors near Jones, desperate for change, after a teenager drowns in the North Canadian River.

Police said 14-year-old Carlos Rodriguez was playing in the water off Hiawasee Road north of Memorial when he was swept under the water.

Neighbors are hoping a sign can be posted warning about the dangers of swimming with the strong current. Weekend rain made the current extra strong Sunday.

A neighbor said the water is unpredictably dangerous. “If you bring your kids down here, you got to put life jackets on them and don't take your eyes off of them,” said neighbor Marti Rodriguez.

Rodriguez didn't know the victim even though they share the same last name.

She told News 9 she saw Carlos playing in the water as she drove by an hour before his body was pulled from the water.

“I wanted to stop and scream ‘get out the river,' but I didn't want to be the crazy woman screaming from the bridge.” said Marti Rodriguez, who feels sick with regret.

“If I could do it over, I would have stopped and screamed. I feel absolutely terrible,” said Rodriguez.