On Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 the Athens Police Department (APD) assisted the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency’s Enforcement and Removal Division — Fugitive Operation Team in the Athens area, according to a release from APD.

During the operation, information was received regarding 47-year-old Bernabe Roman and his location. Roman was wanted for the December 25, 1997, murder of Jose Salinas Gomez, that occurred in the 1500 block of Wheeler Street, in Athens.

A Limestone County Grand Jury indictment warrant was issued for Roman’s arrest in February 1998.

After receiving the information, a search warrant was obtained for Roman’s residence, in the 24000 block of Bain Road, in Athens. Both agencies, along with the Athens HEAT (High-risk Entry and Apprehension Team), executed the warrant at the residence and were able to take Roman into custody following a brief “hold and callout.”

A “hold and callout” is a tactic used by law enforcement, where the perimeter of a location is secured and held. The occupants of the location are then directed to exit the location in a controlled manner.

The Athens Police Department would like to thank ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Division — Fugitive Operation Team for their assistance with the apprehension of Roman. He had been a fugitive from justice for almost 27 years.