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Posted on Thu, Feb. 23, 2006

Mexico arrests man wanted in killing of California policeman

Associated Press

MEXICO CITY - A man wanted in California for the 2002 killing of a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy was captured by Mexican police on Thursday, the U.S. embassy in Mexico City reported.

Agents of the Mexican Federal Investigation Agency arrested Jorge Arroyo Garcia in the city of Tonala in western Jalisco state, according to a statement from the embassy. A spokeswoman with the Mexico Attorney General's Office confirmed the arrest.

Arroyo Garcia, a Mexican national who also goes by the first name Armando, is the lead suspect in the shooting death of Los Angeles County sheriff's Deputy David March, 33, during a traffic stop in Irwindale, Calif., in April 2002.

"The arrest today was the result of investigative persistence and close cooperative efforts between the United States Marshals Service and Mexico's Federal Investigative Agency," U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza said in a statement.

He said the United States has 60 days to file a request for Arroyo Garcia's extradition.

"Although the entire extradition process often takes more than six months to a year to complete, Arroyo Garcia is now off the streets and should remain in jail until he is returned to the United States," Garza said.

Shortly after March's killing, former California Gov. Gray Davis posted a $100,000 reward for Arroyo Garcia's arrest.

Los Angeles County officials also held a high-profile meeting with Mexican law enforcement to focus attention on U.S. fugitives who flee to Mexico.

U.S. U.S. Rep. David Drier said Arroyo Garcia's arrest demonstrates the importance of maintaining an ongoing dialogue between the United States and Mexico.

"The capture of Armando Garcia is a victory for justice and, most important, for the March family," the California Republican said in a statement. "Law enforcement on both sides of the border deserve tremendous credit for working together and staying on his trail for nearly four years."