On January 11, 2026, the San Pablo Police Department received notification that homicide suspect Juan Vargas (26-years old, San Pablo), had been located and taken into custody in Mexico.
This development follows more than nine months of extensive investigation and diligent follow-up by SPPD Detectives, in collaboration with numerous allied law enforcement agencies.
Following his arrest, Vargas was extradited to the United States and subsequently booked at the Martinez Detention Facility (Contra Costa County) on a Ramey arrest warrant (PC 187 – First Degree Murder) on January 13, 2026.
On January 14, 2026, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed formal felony charges against Vargas for Murder and Attempted Murder, with firearms and criminal street gang enhancements. Vargas remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility, where he is being held without bail pending court proceedings.
The San Pablo Police Department would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance with the apprehension, arrest, and extradition of Juan Vargas, who has been believed to be responsible for a violent, dangerous, and tragic homicide – and had eluded capture for nearly one year.
-
- Mexico Law Enforcement Authorities
- United States Customs and Border Protection
- United States Marshals Service
- Los Angeles Police Department
San Pablo Police Seek Murder Suspect
San Pablo, CA – On Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 1:29AM, San Pablo Police Officers responded to the 2000 block of 23rd Street for reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, witnesses reported a male subject had been shot by an unknown suspect, and all involved parties had fled the scene prior to police arrival.
An interagency medical alert was broadcast to area hospitals and shortly thereafter, officers discovered the victim had been driven to a local hospital by acquaintances immediately following the incident. Despite life-saving measures administered by hospital staff, the victim – identified as 26-year old Emmanuel Rodriguez Flores (Richmond) – tragically succumbed to his injuries.
SPPD Detectives responded to assume the investigation. Based upon witness statements and evidence gathered from the scene, SPPD Detectives identified 25-year old Juan Vargas (San Pablo) as the suspect responsible for this homicide.
Detectives believe the victim was the intended target of this shooting, and are continuing to investigate this as a possible street gang-related incident. In response to numerous active investigative leads, SPPD Detectives have since conducted extensive operations across the region, but have been unable to establish contact or locate Vargas for apprehension.
Police are actively seeking information to locate homicide suspect Juan Vargas (25 years old, San Pablo), who is described as an adult Hispanic male, approximately 5’5” tall and weighing approximately 150lbs. Vargas has black hair, brown eyes, and has dark-colored tattoos across his face and neck.
Vargas should be considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached. If you encounter Vargas, please contact your local law enforcement agency or call 911 for an emergency.
Anyone with further information regarding this shooting incident and/or Vargas’ whereabouts is urged to contact the San Pablo Police Department Investigations Division at 510-215-3150.