Border Patrol says man who faces attempted murder charge tells agents he’s illegal immigrant

Border Patrol: Man claims he’s illegal immigrant

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Border Patrol agents say a U.S. citizen claimed to be in the country illegally, possibly hoping to be deported instead of having to face an attempted murder charge in Southern California.

Agent David Jimarez says a man identified by Santa Ana police as 29-year-old Adolfo Aparicio was arrested Friday in Arizona in an area known for drugs and human smuggling.

Officials say the man misidentified himself and told authorities he was in the country illegally. A felony warrant had been issued for his arrest for the attempted homicide of his wife in Santa Ana.

Aparicio’s true identity was discovered through a fingerprint check. Authorities say he will be extradited from Arizona to face charges in California.

Information from: The Orange County Register, www.ocregister.com