3 Fugitives Wanted in California Crimes Arrested in Tijuana

Suspects include a man wanted for a deadly shooting, a teen accused of homicide, and a robbery suspect

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Three fugitives wanted for crimes committed in California, including two deadly cases, were arrested in Tijuana, according to Mexican law enforcement. The suspects include a 41-year-old man from Ventura wanted for a 2025 deadly shooting, a 17-year-old suspected of homicide, and a 29-year-old Los Angeles man wanted for a 2020 robbery.

Why it matters

The arrests highlight cross-border cooperation between U.S. and Mexican authorities to apprehend suspects wanted for serious crimes in California. The cases also demonstrate the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down fugitives who attempt to evade justice by fleeing across the border.

The details

Álvaro Cervantes, 41, of Ventura, was wanted in connection with the deadly shooting of 39-year-old Ruben Villa on February 15, 2025 in Oxnard. A 17-year-old suspect was arrested for a homicide that occurred on November 22, 2025 in Los Angeles County. Daniel Alvarez, 29, of Los Angeles, was wanted for a robbery that happened in 2020. All three suspects were located and arrested by Mexican law enforcement in the Tijuana area.

  • On February 15, 2025, Álvaro Cervantes allegedly shot and killed Ruben Villa in Oxnard.
  • On November 22, 2025, the 17-year-old suspect allegedly committed a homicide in Los Angeles County.
  • The robbery that Daniel Alvarez was wanted for occurred in 2020.

The players

Álvaro Cervantes

A 41-year-old man from Ventura, California who was wanted for the deadly shooting of Ruben Villa in 2025.

Ruben Villa

A 39-year-old man who was shot and killed by Álvaro Cervantes in Oxnard, California in 2025.

Daniel Alvarez

A 29-year-old man from Los Angeles, California who was wanted for a robbery that occurred in 2020.

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What’s next

The suspects will be extradited to the United States to face charges for the crimes they are accused of committing in California.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the importance of international law enforcement cooperation in tracking down and apprehending fugitives who try to evade justice by fleeing across borders. It also highlights the challenges faced by authorities in dealing with violent crimes and the need for continued efforts to enhance public safety on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.