Arrest of Víctor Manuel Pérez Avilés

FBI San Juan
16 August 2020

SAN JUAN, PR—Special Agent in Charge Rafael A. Riviere Vázquez of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Juan Field Office, announced the arrest of Víctor Manuel Pérez Avilés (Pérez Avilés).

Pérez Avilés was charged under a complaint with violations of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(O) (Possession of a Machinegun), for events which took place Friday, August 14, 2020, in Carolina, Puerto Rico.

On August 14, 2020, Pérez Avilés collided his vehicle into a parked Municipal Police vehicle, then exited the vehicle holding a pistol and fled. The Carolina Municipal Police pursued and detained Pérez Avilés. Agents seized a chipped Glock with extended magazines. Special Agents from the FBI San Juan Violent Crimes Squad responded to the police station where Pérez Avilés was detained.

After evaluating the facts and evidence, a federal arrest warrant was obtained and Pérez Avilés was arrested by special agents of the FBI San Juan Violent Crimes Squad and taken to the FBI San Juan Field Office for processing. He was be booked at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo, where he awaits his initial hearing. Further investigative efforts are ongoing.

The case is being prosecuted in the District of Puerto Rico by Assistant United States Attorney David Henek and is being investigated by the FBI San Juan Violent Crimes Squad.

Public tips and information assist the FBI and its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Citizens with information are asked to contact the FBI San Juan Field Office at 787-754-6000, or to submit tips through the FBI’s tip line available on our website at www.Tips.FBI.Gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

The public is reminded a complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.