Slaying Suspect Captured in Las Vegas
A jail escapee arrested Monday night in Las Vegas after a lengthy standoff with police has been identified as a suspect in the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old man in Santa Ana two years ago, police said Tuesday.
Juan Perez, 19, surrendered Monday night to Las Vegas police after a seven-hour standoff.
Santa Ana investigators believe Perez was among a group of gang members who on Oct. 19, 1995, shot Francisco Nava as he left the Swap Mall in the 1200 block of South Bristol Street, Lt. Dave Petko said. Police said Nava was a gang member who was confronted by rivals.
Four men have been convicted in Nava’s shooting, and police have sought Perez for more than a year, Petko said.
When Perez was arrested in Las Vegas on suspicion of having a stolen car and carrying a concealed weapon, he identified himself to arresting officers as Joey Hernandez, according to Las Vegas police spokesman Phil Roland.
Perez then walked out of jail two days ago posing as another inmate, Miguel Hernandez, who was scheduled for release, Roland said.
A tip led police Monday afternoon to an apartment complex where they found Perez, who refused to surrender for hours but was eventually arrested about 9 p.m., Roland said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
