Police arrest 1 in connection with Tucson police recruit shooting, search continues for 2 suspects

One of three suspects wanted in the fatal shooting of an Arizona police recruit was arrested Saturday morning, authorities said.

Santiago Jorge Rogers, 39, was arrested without incident in connection with the killing of 23-year-old Carlos Ramirez, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

The Pima Regional SWAT Team and PCSD Fugitive Investigations Unit served a first-degree murder arrest warrant at a hotel, near Irvington and Palo Verde roads, in Tucson.

Rogers was then booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Complex.

Authorities are still searching for 33-year-old Alex James Barnett and a third unidentified suspect.

Ramirez and his 23-year-old fiancee were found with gunshot wounds just before 6 a.m. Wednesday at a home in the Valencia West community west of Tucson. Ramirez was pronounced dead at the scene and his fiancee was hospitalized in stable condition with injuries that are not considered life-threatening.

Ramirez served as a Pima County Sheriff’s Department corrections officer before becoming a Tucson Police Department recruit. His fiancee, whose name was not released, is a current Pima County corrections officer.

Blue Alert issued for Alex James Barnett

A Blue Alert was issued on Thursday for Barnett, who is considered armed and dangerous. He is described as being 6 feet, 2 inches tall and 315 pounds, with a bald head and brown eyes.

He has distinctive arm tattoos and was last seen wearing a red shirt and black biker vest and riding a maroon 2020 Harley-Davidson FLHXS motorcycle with Arizona license plate D4A656.

Members of the public should not approach Barnett. Anyone who sees him should call 911 and secure residence or vehicle doors and windows.

According to Arizona prison records, Barnett has a criminal history that includes convictions for vehicle theft, child/adult abuse, credit card fraud, unlawful imprisonment and other offenses dating back to 2010.

Latest on investigation into Tucson police recruit’s death

Before Rogers was arrested and Barnett was named as a suspect, sheriff’s department detectives recovered a gray SUV believed to be connected to the shooting in a parking lot near Palo Verde Road and 33rd Street in Tucson.

After the vehicle was located, the sheriff’s department released photos and videos of Barnett, Rogers and another unidentified man who is thought to be involved in the police recruit’s death.

Who appears to Rogers was seen with Barnett at a Shell gas station near Casino Del Sol Resort about 5:20 a.m. Wednesday. The other was seen at about 10:50 a.m. exiting the SUV in the parking lot where it was found later by detectives.

Anyone who knows who they are or where they are is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME (520-882-7463) to remain anonymous.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Senior Editor Kevin Stone contributed to this report.

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