Arkansas State Police Arrest Suspect With Alleged Foreign Illegal Gang Ties

Arkansas State Police announced last week they have arrested a man who has been allegedly linked to a violent South American gang.

The incident took place on Wednesday, November 6 at around 9 AM. The Arkansas State Police (ASP) conducted a routine traffic stop on a green Honda Civic traveling eastbound on Interstate 40, near the 160-mile marker in North Little Rock.

A passenger in the vehicle fled on foot into a nearby field after the initial stop, prompting a large-scale search. Arkansas State Troopers quickly called for backup, bringing in additional officers, the ASP Air Support team, and a K9 unit from the Arkansas Department of Corrections to assist. After an hour-long search, authorities were able to locate and apprehend the individual hiding in the area.

The suspect was identified as Elias Avila Bustillo, 42, of El Salvador.  According to the ASP press release, it was discovered that he is in the United States illegally and is wanted in El Salvador for alleged illegal gang associations. He is also the subject of an Interpol Red Notice, which is an international alert for law enforcement worldwide to locate and arrest him.

Troopers transported Bustillo to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office in Little Rock. He remains in the custody of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.

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