A nine-month international manhunt ended this week following the arrest and extradition of a San Pablo man wanted for a 2025 gang-related homicide, according to the San Pablo Police Department.
Juan Vargas, 26, was taken into custody in Mexico on Sunday, Jan. 11, according to the San Pablo Police Department. Following his arrest, Vargas was extradited to the U.S. and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on Tuesday.
The arrest follows an investigation that began in the early morning hours of March 29, 2025. San Pablo officers responded to reports of a shooting on the 2000 block of 23rd Street, where they discovered that a victim had been driven to a local hospital by acquaintances. The victim, identified as 26-year-old Emmanuel Rodriguez Flores of Richmond, succumbed to his injuries despite life-saving efforts by medical staff.
Detectives quickly identified Vargas as the primary suspect, describing the shooting as a targeted, gang-related incident. However, Vargas managed to elude capture for nearly a year, leading investigators on a trail that eventually crossed the southern border.
On Wednesday, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed formal felony charges against Vargas, including first degree murder, attempted murder and enhancements for the use of firearm and criminal street gang invovlement.
Vargas is currently being held without bail pending his upcoming court proceedings.
San Pablo Police Chief Brian Bubar credited the arrest to “diligent follow-up” by local detectives and the coordination of several domestic and international agencies. The department extended specific thanks to Mexican law enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Los Angeles Police Department for their roles in the apprehension and extradition.
“This development follows more than nine months of extensive investigation,” the department said in a statement released Thursday. Vargas had been considered armed and dangerous during the duration of the search.
Community members with further information regarding the 2025 incident are still encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department Investigations Division at 510-215-3150.
