FORT MYERS, Fla. (WFLA) – An inmate who fled Puerto Rico has been arrested in Lee County after 40 years of running.
Puerto Rican authorities contacted the sheriff’s office about escaped inmates who could potentially live in Lee County, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Jorge Mira Valdes fled a Puerto Rican prison in 1987, and authorities believed he lived under the name Luis Aguirre.
Deputies said Miravaldes had a criminal history under the name of Luis Aguirre, including a deadly weapon robbery and aggravated battery in Monroe County.
The LCSO Fugitive Warrants Unit began a search for Milla-Valdes, obtaining fingerprints in Puerto Rico and a Monroe County criminal history since 1986.
Potential fingerprint supervisor Tina Carver took two fingerprints and within 15 minutes she was able to match the print, confirming that Mira Valdez and Aguirre were the same person.
After an aggressive match, the fugitive warrant unit was able to find Miravaldes at Fort. Myers Shores and he were taken into custody Friday, deputies said.
“Thanks to the efforts and determination of my fugitive warrant unit and potential fingerprint supervisor Tina Carver, a positive fingerprint identification was made within minutes. My team’s skills are not matched at all levels.
