A 21-year-old man wanted in connection with a fatal shooting outside a local bar last month was arrested on Sept. 3, authorities said.
Tristen Lee Alvarez was apprehended in Casa Grande late Thursday afternoon after a nearly three-week search for the suspect in the murder of 37-year-old Jacob Encinas on August 15.
Alvarez is charged with first-degree murder, weapons misconduct, and disorderly behavior. Casa Grande police have filed charges with the Pinal County Attorney’s Office for formal consideration.
The tragic incident occurred around 1:45 a.m. in the parking lot of the Airport Tavern on North Pinal Avenue. According to investigators, the two men had a verbal argument that escalated until Encinas was shot once in the upper torso. Encinas was pronounced dead at the scene, but Alvarez left before officers arrived, prompting officials to warn the public that he was armed and dangerous.
Following the search, Casa Grande police praised the United States Marshals Service and area citizens for their assistance and patience during the investigation. “Although Alvarez is now in custody, this remains an active investigation,” police said.
Aside from the exact arrest location, authorities have not said what prompted the fatal argument, whether the murder weapon was discovered, or where Alvarez was hiding during his nearly three weeks on the run.
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