(787) 766-5656

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 20, 2007

FBI ARREST INDIVIDUAL FOR CARJACKING AND

REQUEST FOR PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE IN LOCATING FUGITVE, SAMUEL ORTIZ-GARCIA

On September 19, 2007, the FBI arrested Giovanni Torres-Rosario, aka “Busca Aviones,” age 27, without incident in Juncos, Puerto Rico. Torres-Rosario is currently charged with Carjacking and Aiding and Abetting. Torres-Rosario is the third previously unidentified individual alluded to in the press release, dated September 14, 2007 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico.

On June 19, 2007, in the District of Puerto Rico a four count indictment was issued, charging Samuel Ortiz-Garcia, aka “Sammy”, aka “El Primo”, and Agustin Rodriguez-Adorno, aka “Puntigo”, aka “Junito”, with Carjacking, Conspiracy, and Aiding and Abetting . Ortiz-Garcia and Rodriguez-Adorno have also been charged with the use and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of the carjacking offense and causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm.

On May 12, 2007, at the “Subway” fast food restaurant located at the corner of Jose Piñeiro Avenue and Cesar Gonzalez Avenue in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Agustin Rodriguez-Adorno, Samuel Ortiz-Garcia and Giovanni Torres-Rosario attempted to take a vehicle driven by the victim, Gilberto Santiago-Quiñones. These individuals demanded the occupants of the car open the door and indicated that this was the car they were going to take. A physical altercation ensued between the victim and one of the assailants. Two other assailants joined in the altercation and the passenger in the victim’s vehicle also became involved. After a few moments of defending themselves, the victim and his passenger were able to re-enter the vehicle and attempted to leave. One of the assailants said, “He’s tough, shoot him.” Samuel Ortiz-Garcia then fired multiple shots into the car striking Gilberto Santiago-Quiñones. Santiago-Quiñones died as a result of these gunshots.

On June 12, 2007, Agustin Rodriguez-Adorno was arrested and placed in federal custody after the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico assumed prosecutive jurisdiction of the investigation. This is a potential death penalty eligible case.

Samuel Ortiz-Garcia is currently considered to be a fugitive from justice. The public is cautioned that he should be treated as Armed and Dangerous. Attached is a photograph of Ortiz-Garcia.

Samuel Ortiz-Garcia is described as follows:

Name: Samuel Ortiz-Garcia
Aliases: “Sammy”
“El Primo”
Sex: Male
Race: White
Age: 31 years old
Date of Birth: June 2, 1976
Place of Birth: Puerto Rico
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 195 pounds
Hair: Black
Eyes Brown
Puerto Rico
Driver’s License #: 4351224
Last Known Address: Calle Alfonso Monserrate
Barrio Canta Gallo
Juncos, Puerto Rico
Possible Occupation: Construction
Other
Characteristics: Armed and Dangerous

The FBI is offering a reward for information leading directly to the arrest of Samuel Ortiz-Garcia. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Samuel Ortiz-Garcia should contact the San Juan FBI, 24 hours a day at (787) 754-6000.

The public is reminded that a federal criminal complaint and/or an indictment contain only charges and are not evidence of any guilt. Defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.