A sex offender was taken into custody in Henderson after multiple parole violations.
Around 1 p.m. Tuesday, Martin G. Suarez was taken into custody by the Sex Offender Predator Apprehension Team, a joint task force formed by the United States Marshals Office and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. LVMPD and Henderson patrol officers also assisted in the arrest.
Suarez is a registered sex offender with an active full extradition warrant from the state of California for a parole violation. Since the age of 14, he has been arrested more than 35 times in California for a variety of offenses.
Most recently, he was arrested for being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm. He also faces additional charges for evading police while driving a stolen vehicle.
After a lengthy investigation involving both local and federal officers from California and Nevada, it was discovered that Suarez was residing in Henderson. He was taken into custody in the area of Sunset and Gibson roads without incident.
Neighbors were relieved to hear about his arrest but also surprised.
“It really terrifies me to know that guy was up the street,” said Letisha Montiel, a mother of four who lives a few doors away from where Suarez was staying.
Neighbors told 13 Action News Suarez was living with his mom and his kids in this quiet gated community in Henderson, just a few doors down from Montiel and her four kids.
“If I would’ve seen him, I would’ve told my kids to come inside,” Montiel said. She is glad he is gone.
Arely Melendez had no idea Suarez was on the run from California, wanted for violating his parole.
“I’m really surprised,” Melendez said. “He was a nice guy. He was always playing with his kids outside.”
A patchwork of tattoos plastering his face, Suarez is tough to miss.
“You cannot judge people by what they look like but that is scary,” Melendez says.
If you are aware of a wanted fugitive here in Las Vegas, you’re urged to notify authorities. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555.
