Akron, OH – Yesterday afternoon, members of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Manuel Eliezer Ramirez-Molina, 36.  Ramirez-Molina was wanted by the Akron Police Department & Akron Fire Department for arson.  

Early Saturday morning, Akron Fire Department was called to a fire at Roush’s Market on Thorton Ave. in Akron.  When the Fire Department arrived, the business was fully engulfed in flames.  Crews worked tirelessly to get the blaze under control and to ensure no victims were inside.  Investigators with the Fire Department immediately began looking into the cause of the fire and quickly gathered that the fire had been intentionally set.  A warrant for arson was issued for Manuel Eliezer Ramirez-Molina the next day.

Members of the NOVFTF immediately began searching for Ramirez-Molina.  During the course of their investigation, they learned that Ramirez-Molina was residing in this country illegally.  Within hours of the fugitive investigation being opened the task force was able to locate and safely arrest Ramirez-Molina.  He was taken into custody in the area of Howe St. and Leroy Ave. in Akron, only two blocks from the crime.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Although a devastating crime, this criminal and his complete disregard for our community will not break the spirits of the Akron community.  With this fugitive behind bars so quickly, the Akron community can focus on supporting this business and help rebuild this long-standing Akron establishment.”

"I'm grateful to the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force for their swift work to safely apprehend the suspect in this devastating arson,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “Anyone who puts lives, businesses, and neighborhoods at risk through violent criminal acts must be held accountable. Our focus remains on supporting the Roush's Market family and surrounding neighborhood. Akron has always responded to difficult moments by coming together, and I know this community will do the same again in this moment."

Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland. 

The NOVFTF Akron Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies: The United States Marshals Service, Akron Police Department, Barberton Police Department, Copley Township Police Department, Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, Fairlawn Police Department, Hudson Police Department, Kent Police Department, Medina County Sheriff’s Office, New Franklin Police Department, Northfield Police Department, Norton Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Reminderville Police Department, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Tallmadge Police Department, Twinsburg Police Department, Wayne County Court of Common Pleas.