On December 15, 2024, the Athens Police Department collaborated with the Enforcement and Removal Division’s Fugitive Operation Team to conduct an operation in the Athens area. During this initiative, crucial information regarding the location of Bernabe Roman was uncovered. Roman is a fugitive who has been wanted since he allegedly took the life of Jose Salinas Gomez on December 25, 1997, in the 1500 block of Wheeler Street, Athens, Alabama.
In February 1998, a grand jury in Limestone County issued an indictment, leading to a warrant for Roman’s arrest. Following the acquisition of new information about his whereabouts, law enforcement officials secured a search warrant for Roman’s residence, which is situated in the 24000 block of Bain Road in Athens.
After a brief period of preparation, which included a “hold and callout,” the Athens Police Department, along with the Athens HEAT (High-risk Entry & Apprehension Team), successfully executed the warrant at the identified location. This operation culminated in the apprehension of Roman, who had managed to evade capture for nearly twenty-seven years. The Athens Police Department expressed gratitude to the Enforcement and Removal Division’s Fugitive Operation Team (ICE) for their assistance in bringing Roman to justice.