Manhunt Ends: Suspect in Custody After Fugitive Found in Mexico

Sacramento, CA – A fugitive wanted in relation to an assault with a deadly weapon in Grass Valley was arrested in Tijuana, Mexico, December 11.

Juan Zuniga was arrested by Mexican authorities near Tijuana, Mexico, after the U.S. Marshals Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force developed information regarding a possible location. Zuniga was transferred into U.S. Marshals Service custody later that afternoon and transported back to the U.S. to await further criminal proceedings.

Zuniga is a California state parolee who is alleged to have stabbed a person in Grass Valley before fleeing to Tijuana. It was believed Zuniga was living with his girlfriend at the time and her two children, 3 and 5.

California Department of Corrections Rehabilitation Fugitive Apprehension Team, who are members of the U.S. Marshals Service task force, initiated the investigation of Zuniga. The FBI was also notified and began to work with the U.S. Marshals Service task force to locate Zuniga.

Acting U.S Marshal for the Eastern District of California Lasha Boyden thanked all participating agencies and commended their efforts in locating and apprehending this violent offender and bringing him to justice.

"Thanks to the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies, including our counterparts in Mexico, we were able to prevent harm and the loss of life to the victim and her children," Boyden said. She commended the collaboration of both the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI for their ability to work hand in hand on such a short notice to bring this fugitive to justice within 48 hours of the investigation.

The Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force/Sacramento is composed of members from the California Department of Correction's Fugitive Apprehension Team, Stockton Police Department, Sacramento Police Department, Roseville Police Department, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Marshals Service. The Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force's primary mission is to locate, arrest, and return to the justice system the most violent Federal and State Fugitives.