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LCSO: Most wanted fugitive captured in Mexico

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One of Lee County’s most wanted fugitives has been captured in Mexico after nearly four years on the run.

Working in conjunction with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrants Unit, U.S. Federal Marshals arrested Luis Gonzalez, 26, May 31 in El Pedernal, Mexico. The arrest culminates lengthy efforts by detectives with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit to track down Gonzalez for his alleged involvement in the death of 25-year-old Tia Poklemba.

Poklemba was discovered lying in the middle of a road in San Carlos Park in the early morning hours of Aug. 8, 2008. Tips called in to Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers helped detectives zero in on Gonzalez. LCSO detectives reportedly were able to determine that Gonzalez met Poklemba at a nearby bar. Evidence at the scene showed that Poklemba had been run over twice by a car and left for dead. As investigators closed in on Gonzalez, he fled Southwest Florida to Mexico.

The case captured national attention and has been featured on America’s Most Wanted three times. Each time, valuable tips were received. The most recent airing on the Lifetime TV Network in March generated the tip that pinpointed exactly where in Mexico Gonzalez was hiding. From there, the plan was put in motion to arrest Gonzalez.

The Sheriff’s Office says Gonzalez faces charges of leaving the scene of a crash involving death and manslaughter with a weapon, both first degree felonies.

Gonzalez is currently awaiting extradition proceedings in Mexico.

Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office