Wanted manslaughter suspect arrested in Pasco. He’s been missing since October

A suspect wanted on suspicion of voluntary manslaughter in Merced County has been arrested in Pasco, according to authorities.

The Merced County Sheriff’s Office said it was notified Tuesday that Luis Gerardo Sandoval, 38, of Merced, was arrested by the Pasco Police Department on a Merced County warrant.

According to Deputy Daryl Allen, the arrest was made about 11:30 a.m. at a Pasco home.

According to the sheriff’s office, on Oct. 9 the Investigations Bureau was notified by Memorial Medical Center in Modesto that Atwater resident Efren Ortez, 46, had died of injuries from an altercation.

Authorities said the fight, which was not initially reported to the sheriff’s office, was on Oct. 3 on the 3000 block of Gurr Road in Atwater. After learning of the alleged crime, investigators identified Sandoval as the suspect, said officials.

Allen said authorities do not believe a weapon was used.

Sandoval fled and a warrant was issued by the Merced County District Attorneys Office.

During an investigation, the Major Crimes Unit learned that Sandoval may have been hiding in Washington and detectives contacted the Pasco Police Department for help in finding him.