Fugitive caught by Flagler Sheriff's deputy

Flagler County Sheriff's Office booking photo of Julio Rivera-Cruz

BUNNELL, Fla. – A fugitive from Wisconsin was caught Monday by a Flagler County Sheriff's, who was checking out a suspicious vehicle in Bunnell.

The vehicle was parked at Cody's Corner on State Road 11. While Deputy Jennifer Prevatt was checking out the car, Julio Rivera-Cruz pulled up to the convenience store on a scooter. 

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Rivera-Cruz, 39, said he was about to run out of gas and stopped at the store, which was closed. Prevatt found Rivera-Cruz had marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his possession, and he didn't have a driver's license. 

Further investigation revealed Rivera-Cruz had given Prevatt a fake name and that he was a wanted fugitive from Wisconsin.

"This potentially violent individual had been on the run for three years and was living and working among us in our community," Sheriff James L. Manfre said. "Because Deputy Prevatt was thorough in her investigation, this individual will be extradited back to Wisconsin."

Rivera-Cruz was previously found guilty in Wisconsin of sexual assault and armed robbery charges. He is being held at the Flagler County Detention Facility without bond.