Tried to use a tourist visa to sneak into U.S.

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa port of entry yesterday caught a fugitive wanted for attempted homicide and arson, as he attempted to enter the U.S. using a tourist visa.

On Apr. 5, at about 5:45 a.m., 42-year-old Antonio Perez, a U.S. citizen, applied for entry on foot through the Otay Mesa border crossing. Antonio Perez attempted to gain entry into the U.S. using a tourist visa that was not legally issued to him. Through facial comparison the officer detected inconsistencies and referred Perez for a more in-depth inspection.

A CBP officer conducted a query to get biometric information via the “Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System” (IAFIS). The information revealed that he was wanted by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for attempted homicide stipulating no bail, and wanted by the North Las Vegas Police Department for arson with bail set at $250,000.

“Attention to detail was a key factor in detecting the facial discrepancies in comparison to the document he presented,” Pete Flores, director of field operations for CBP in San Diego. “CBP will ensure that he will face a judge for the alleged crimes.”

After the warrant was confirmed, Perez was booked into the San Diego County Jail to await extradition.

Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.   back...