The FBI has significantly increased the reward to $1 million for any information leading to the capture of Omar Alexander Cardenas, a suspect prominently featured on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, according to a statement released on Tuesday.
Cardenas, known by the alias “Dollar,” is alleged to have fatally shot 46-year-old Jabari Dumas in the head during a shooting spree at a bustling outdoor shopping center in Sylmar, California, on August 15, 2019.
Authorities have identified Cardenas as a former member of the Pierce Street Gang and have indicated potential ties to the Pacoima Van Nuys Boys/Anybody Killas gang.
Described as standing between 5 feet, 6 inches and 5 feet, 7 inches tall, Cardenas has a weight range of approximately 240 to 300 pounds. He is often seen wearing thick prescription glasses and has at least one tattoo.
Initially, the reward for information on Cardenas’s location was set at $100,000, as reported by the FBI’s Most Wanted program.
A mugshot of Omar Cardenas, a fugitive on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, is widely circulated by authorities. (FBI)
Officials said on the day of the killing, Cardenas allegedly fired several rounds from a semi-automatic handgun at Dumas, who was standing outside the Hair Icon Barber Shop.
While executing a search warrant at Cardenas’ home, authorities recovered a vehicle believed to have been used in the crime, along with evidence linked to the killing.
A local arrest warrant was issued for Cardenas on April 3, 2020, in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County after he was charged locally with murder.
A federal arrest warrant from U.S. District Court in the Central District of California was issued for Cardenas on Sept. 2, 2021, after he was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
While officials did not release the reasoning behind such a large reward, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed Cardenas has known gang affiliations.
A surveillance camera photo of Omar Cardenas in a black sweater and black jeans. (FBI)
Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office Akil Davis mentioned Cardenas may be hiding in Mexico, noting, “we will find you there.”
“Our relationship with Legat Mexico is very strong. They specialize in apprehensions like this,” Davis said. “Mexico is not safe for you, Mr. Cardenas, if that’s where you’re hiding. I have full faith in this task force that they will bring you to justice.”
A mugshot of Omar Cardenas, who is wanted by the FBI and California authorities. (FBI)
Davis said Cardenas should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI’s tip line at 800-225-5324, or submit a tip online.
