For Immediate Release

Lorain, OH – Peter J. Elliott, U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Ohio announces that the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, Lorain County Division apprehended violent fugitive Andres Arzola in Ponce, Puerto Rico early this morning. Arzola was wanted by the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office for 12 counts of Armed Robbery and 12 counts of Kidnapping and he was also wanted by the Lorain Police Department for Felonious Assault, Aggravated Burglary and Kidnapping.

On April 17, 2009 Arzola and several associates allegedly robbed a high stakes poker game in which a dozen poker players allegedly lost $50,000 in cash and approximately $25,000 in jewelry during this dangerous and violent confrontation. The armed robbery occurred in the 5300 block of Naiman Parkway in Solon. Several months later, in August 2009, Arzola and several associates were involved in a felonious assault in which Arzola was allegedly armed and “pistol whipped” the victim at the Lake Motel in Lorain. Shortly after this last incident, Arzola quickly fled the State of Ohio and was tracked down to Ponce, Puerto Rico.

Deputy Marshals and Task Force Officers from the Lorain Police Department, Elyria Police Department, Oberlin Police Department, Sheffield Village Police Department and the Solon Police Department all worked hand in hand with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office and the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office to apprehend Arzola.

Deputy Marshals from the District of Puerto Rico diligently tracked down Arzola after identifying several possible associates. Arzola was arrested early this morning without incident. Andres Arzola is currently awaiting extradition and will be brought back to Northern Ohio to face his charges.

"The results of our task force partners working together can clearly be seen in this case," stated Assistant Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Deserto. "This fugitive was allegedly involved in several acts of extreme violence and was considered a danger to society. Thanks to the teamwork and dedication of all of our Deputy Marshals and Task Force Officers, Arzola is in custody and will return to Ohio to face these serious charges."

Anyone with information in reference to any wanted fugitive is encouraged to contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED. Tipsters can remain anonymous and reward money is available.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force Lorain County Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies: U.S. Marshals Service, Amherst Police Department, Avon Police Department, Avon Lake Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Elyria Police Department, Lorain County Sheriff’s Office, Lorain Police Department, North Ridgeville Police Department, Oberlin Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Sheffield Village Police Department and Vermilion Police Department.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.

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