Kern County murder suspect arrested in El Centro

Police have arrested a man who was on the run for two months and allegedly wanted for a murder near Bakersfield California.

Working swiftly and diligently police were able to arrest 33-year-old Ricardo Tapia, according to ECPD.

Law enforcement said Tapia was wanted for the suspected murder of 38-year-old Luciano Jose Ramos of Bakersfield.

Kern County Sheriff’s Office informed local authorities that Tapia was in El Centro with 33-year old Melissa Velasquez Avila .

Sgt. Damian Valdez of the El Centro Police Department believed they had plans to flee the country.

“It was believed that it was their plan to get away from the United States,” said Valdez.

El Centro police were able to get a license plate number and with street cameras and license plate reading technology, police were able to find the vehicle with matching plates.

“Dispatcher advised patrol units in our city that the vehicle was detected traveling northbound Imperial and Main,” Valdez said.

The suspects were later located at a nearby restaurant and arrested by authorities.

Valdez added that the arrest went smoothly, “As we made entry into the restaurant that they were located, they were in a corner. So there was no struggle. They complied to the commands and they were unaware that we were looking for them.”

Both Tapia and Avila were booked into Imperial County jail and will be transported to Kern County to face their charges.

Tapia is facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy. Avila is facing charges of accessory.