Two Arrested For Possession Of A Machinegun During Shooting Committed In Isla Verde On January 6, 2019

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Today federal authorities arrested Julio Rodríguez-Febres and Angel Luis Olmos-Vargas, participants in the shooting which occurred on Three Kings Day in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.  The Complaint charges Julio Rodriguez-Febrez with one count for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and Angel Luis Olmos-Vargas with one count for possession of a machinegun, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Police of Puerto Rico Bureau (PRPD), as part of the Trigger Puller Initiative, conducted the investigation along with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Department of Justice.

The affidavit in support of the criminal complaint states that on January 6, 2019, at Zokku’s Lounge Restaurant in Isla Verde at least eight individuals exchanged gunfire with and killed another man. A review of surveillance camera recordings, and law enforcement investigation, showed that Angel Luis Olmos-Vargas and Julio Rodriguez-Febres were involved in the shooting.

If convicted, defendants face a maximum term of ten (10) years of imprisonment. Assistant United States Attorney Alberto Lopez and Vanessa Bonhomme are in charge of the prosecution of the case.

 “Today’s arrests should serve as a clear warning to those who think they own our streets.  State and federal law enforcement officers are working together to get them off our streets and we will not rest until our citizens feel safe again. I must commend the tireless work of all the agents and prosecutors who investigated this case; through their collaboration they were able to arrest these individuals only five (5) days after the Three Kings Day murder in front of  Zokkus lounge in Isla Verde,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

“These arrests clearly demonstrate that the federal government will not turn a blind eye to criminality in Puerto Rico and we will not tolerate the delinquency that impacts the lives of all people in Puerto Rico. I could not be prouder to lead the men and women of ATF who work every day with our devoted partners from the Police of Puerto Rico.  The arrest of these violent individuals means all Puerto Ricans are safer,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge, Ari C. Shapira.

“As I have previously stated and specifically expressed yesterday, the initiatives—together and in coordination with the federal agencies—are on track, having effect, and we are starting to see the results of our joint efforts. With these actions, we have taken these criminals off our streets.  Many more will also be surprised,” said the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety, Héctor M. Pesquera.

“These arrests are the result of the effective teamwork between state and federal law enforcement agencies. We shared information with the federal agencies to solve this case and we will continue working together for the prosecution of state and federal charges related to this incident, which has been under investigation since day one.  State authorities will continue with the investigation in order to press charges for the murder of Gregorio Cruz Pérez, along with any other state violation. We will continue undeterred in our fight against crime,” said Attorney General of Puerto Rico, Wanda Vázquez Garced.

The public is reminded that criminal complaints and indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt.  Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.