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For Immediate Release

 Contact:
February 10, 2012 Edward Holst, Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal
Middle District of Pennsylvania (570) 346-7277
U.S. Marshals Arrest Scranton Attempted Murder Suspect in New York
Scranton, PA – United States Marshal Martin J. Pane announced today that the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) arrested Omar Payano in the Bronx, New York.

Payano was being sought by the Scranton Police Department for an attempted homicide which occurred on February 5, 2012 at the Valley View apartments in Scranton. It is alleged Payano shot at another individual two times causing injuries. On February 6, an arrest warrant was signed charging Payano with:
  • Criminal attempt to commit criminal homicide
  • Aggravated Assault - 2 counts
  • Discharge of a Firearm into an occupied structure
  • Simple Assault – attempt
  • Recklessly Endangering another person

On February 6, the Scranton Police requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service. The case was adopted by the USMS Middle District of Pennsylvania (M/PA) Fugitive Task Force. Deputy U.S. Marshals developed information on the possible whereabouts of Payano in the greater New York City area. During the early morning hours of February 10, Deputies and Task Force officers traveled to New York City.

Deputy U.S. Marshals based in Scranton coordinated with USMS personnel from the agency’s New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. During the afternoon hours, Deputy U.S. Marshals arrested Payano in the Bronx, New York. The arrest occurred without incident. Payano was turned over to the New York City Police Department for arraignment as a Fugitive-From-Justice, pending a court hearing and his extradition to Pennsylvania.

United States Marshal Pane stated, “This is an excellent example of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force working hand-in-hand with local law enforcement agencies. The combined effort was instrumental in capturing a person charged with a crime of violence. The Marshals Service gives the highest priority to these type of cases.”

U.S. Marshals were assisted by several agencies that comprise its Middle District of Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force. This included officers from the Scranton Police Department and the Lackawanna County Sheriff’s Department. U.S. Marshals were also assisted by the New York City Police Department.

The concept of all USMS-led fugitive task forces is to seek out and arrest the nation’s most dangerous and violent offenders.

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

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