US Marshals Apprehend Felipe Alex Torrealba: Another Name Removed from The 15 Most Wanted Fugitive List

US Marshals and local police in Florida have arrested Felipe Alex Torrealba, a murder suspect on the US Marshal Service’s 15 Most Wanted Fugitive List. Torrealba is a violent felon with an extensive criminal history, and he is the prime suspect in the murder of Kris Smalls, 42, of Weston, Florida, who was found dead in his car earlier this year. Torrealba was apprehended by authorities in Fort Myers, Florida on Thursday.

At the time of his arrest, Felipe Alex Torrealba was in possession of two handguns, about $15,000 in cash, a pair of binoculars, and a wig. The items were discovered in the two-story townhouse where Torrealba was arrested. According to a police spokesman, the fugitive is being transported to the Broward County Jail to await arraignment on a variety of charges.

The Marshalls Service added Torrealba to the 15 Most Wanted Fugitives list on October 12, 2012 and distributed a press release warning the public about the suspects violent nature:

” WASHINGTON – The U.S. Marshals Service added a homicide suspect to the U.S. Marshals 15 Most Wanted fugitive list today.Felipe Alexander Torrealba is wanted for multiple crimes in various jurisdictions in Texas and Florida, including: homicide, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, trafficking oxycodone, unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, aggravated assault with a firearm and resisting officers with violence.

“Torrealba is wanted by the Broward County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office for questioning in the murder of a 42-year-old man earlier this year.

“Torrealba is a violent 26-year-old male with an extensive criminal history dating back to 2000. He has previously been arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, carrying concealed firearms, battery, narcotics, larceny, fraud and failure to appear.

“Torrealba has eluded capture on at least three occasions. On Jan. 2, the Sweetwater (Florida) Police Department conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle driven erratically by Torrealba. The officers discovered the vehicle was stolen and the driver had outstanding warrants for narcotics and assault charges. Torrealba grabbed a weapon from the driver’s side and fled from the scene in the stolen vehicle.

“In April, the Brownsville (Texas) Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Torrealba, who provided the officers with a Texas driver’s license issued in his alias “Jose Alberto Rodriguez” and was released. In August, Torrealba departed a targeted location minutes before U.S. Marshals Service personnel arrived to arrest him.

“On Sept. 26, Torrealba was involved in an altercation with two off-duty Miami-Dade police officers. Following a verbal dispute, Torrealba reportedly produced a handgun and began firing at them. Both officers were unharmed and Torrealba managed to get away.

“Torrealba is a violent career criminal, who not only poses a threat to the public but to law enforcement as well,” said David Harlow, Assistant Director of Investigative Operations for the U.S. Marshals Service. “It is imperative we utilize all available investigative measures to immediately locate and arrest Torrealba before he has the opportunity to offend again…”

We salute the hard working men and women of The United States Marshals Service. These brave law enforcement professionals dedicate themselves to apprehending and transporting some of the world’s most dangerous and violent criminals. Bravo, US Marshals Service.