UPDATE 12/12/24: Arrest made in Asheville sexual assault cold case...
Earlier this week we reported Asheville Police charged 62 year old Juan Jose Bernal-Ramirez with 1st degree statutory rape and indecent acts with a minor in connection to a 2016 incident.
Initially the case went cold, "but was reopened after new evidence came to light."
Police reported Thursday, December 12, 2024, Bernal-Ramirez, who was described as using a prosthetic leg, was apprehended late Wednesday night around 11:30pm by the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office.
He was booked into the Detention facility under no bond.
In a social media post, Asheville Police thanked members of the community who came forward with tips and information which led to Bernal-Ramirez's arrest.
Previously reported: The popular TV series from the 60's the fugitive featured a one armed suspect as a character, now police in Western North Carolina are searching for a real life suspect with one leg.
The Asheville Police Department says 62 year old, Jose Bernal-Ramirez is charged in a sex crime case from 2016. He's currently wanted on charges of 1st degree statutory rape and indecent acts with a minor.
An investigation was launched in 2016 but then went cold. It was re-opened when new information was discovered. Bernal-Ramirez reportedly uses a prosthetic leg and appears to walk normally.
Police are searching for the suspect, he's described as 5 foot 5 weighing 220 pounds.


