The Missouri Highway Patrol stated that Pablo Antonio Serrano-Vitorino was arrested at 12:18 a.m. Wednesday, March 9, near the intersection of Highway 19 and Interstate 70 in Montgomery County, Mo.
Serrano-Vitorino was the subject of an intensive, 17-hour manhunt, and is wanted for the murder of four people in Kansas City, Kan., as well as wanted for questioning about a fifth homicide in New Florence, Mo.
Serrano-Vitorino was captured after a citizen reported being approached by a male who displayed a gun. The citizen fled the area and reported the incident to law enforcement, according to a highway patrol spokesman.
Officers from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol immediately responded. Two troopers spotted Serrano-Vitorino lying face down in a ditch at the northwest corner of the intersection, the highway patrol spokesman stated.
Serrano-Vitorino was taken into custody without incident and did not offer any resistance, according to the highway patrol. A rifle was recovered during the arrest.
He was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold, in regard to the homicide which occurred in New Florence, Mo., according to the highway patrol.
Additionally, Serrano-Vitorino is being held on a $2 million bond for the murders which occurred in Kansas City, Kan. The investigation is continuing by the highway patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control.
“I am very pleased with the outstanding work and dedication of all patrol employees involved in this operation,” said Col. J. Bret Johnson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “I am also pleased with the quick response and teamwork that every agency provided in this capture. This type of cooperation may very well have prevented further loss of life. I also want to extend condolences to the families who have lost loved ones.”