Previously Deported Felon in Possession of a Handgun Arrested by U.S. Marshals

Cleveland, OH – Late this afternoon, members of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Hector Linares, 46.  

Linares was being investigated by the NOVFTF for violating his federal supervised release and a warrant for his arrest was issued on January 30 of this year. Linares’ underlying offense was a drug charge from 2009. 

Additionally, Linares was wanted by the Cleveland Division of Police for aggravated assault, a warrant was issued for his arrest in May 2024. He was also wanted by the University Heights Police Department for a more recent felonious assault and a warrant was issued on January 21 of this year.  Linares is a suspected gang member and is listed as a previously deported felon by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  

This afternoon, members of the task force were able to locate and positively identify Linares in a vehicle he was operating.  Officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of 24000 block of Lakeland Blvd. in Euclid.  Linares complied with officers and was taken into custody without incident.  During the arrest, Linares was found to be in possession of both a loaded handgun and suspected methamphetamine.  Linares was transported to the U.S. Courthouse upon arrest.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “We will continue to work with our partners to focus on violent criminals who are also in this country illegally.  Today, a violent fugitive in possession of a handgun was put in jail and our community is safer.”

Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.  

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Cleveland Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies: U.S. Marshals Service, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Independence Police Department, Parma Police Department, Aurora Police Department, Solon Police Department, Cleveland RTA Police Department, Westlake Police Department, Bedford Police Department, Middleburg Heights Police Department, Newburgh Heights Police Department and the Metrohealth Police Department.