Courtesy photo. The official badge of the Athens Police Department.

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.