Fugitive Who Broke Out Of Jail 46 Years Ago Nabbed By Cop He Shot In 1971

A fugitive who broke out of jail 46 years ago was tracked down living in New Mexico by the same cop he shot in 1971Luis Archuleta, 77, who had been featured on America's Most Wanted 20 years ago, was found living under a fake name in New Mexico.

"This arrest should send a clear signal to violent offenders everywhere: The FBI will find you, no matter how long it takes or how far you run, and we will bring you to justice," said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider.

Archuleta was convicted of shooting Denver Police Officer Daril Cinquanta in 1973 and sentenced to between nine and 14 years in federal prison. He managed to escape in 1974, and Cinquanta vowed to track him down.

He continued to look for the man who shot him, even after he retired from the force in 1990.

After 46 years, Cinquanta received a tip that Archuleta was living in Española, New Mexico, under the name Ramon Montoya. Authorities said that he had been living there for about 40 years.

"I have never given up on him. It just shows you: persistence does pay off. I worked with a lot of super cops at the Denver Police Department, that was a period of time when there were great policemen, great cooperation throughout the state with all the police departments, a phenomenal time to be a cop," Cinquanta told KDVR.

Cinquanta contacted the FBI, and they took Archuleta into custody. He will be extradited to Denver to face charges of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution/confinement.

Photo: FBI


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