The Associated Press
LAKELAND, Fla.- A fugitive wanted in the fatal shooting of three men in a Wisconsin pub and featured on “America’s Most Wanted” was arrested at a construction site where he worked, authorities said.
Christopher Smith, 37, was arrested Tuesday in Polk County in Lake Alfred, the sheriff’s office said. He had been working on a new housing subdivision there since Oct. 3.
Smith left Milwaukee after the shooting of Daniel Vela, 32, and Roberto Vela Jr., 31, who were cousins, and their friend, Armando Pena, 19, the sheriff’s office said. They were killed following an argument at Wolfgang’s Pub on Aug. 20.
Acting on a tip, deputies arrested Smith while he was working for CSI Excavating Co. He was known to his employer only as “Kurt.”
Smith was booked into the county jail to await extradition to Wisconsin.
He was featured Oct. 1 on Fox’s “America’s Most Wanted” television show.
According to a criminal complaint filed in August, one of the victims apparently gave Smith’s group of friends a threatening look at the bar before the shootings. A witness later heard a fight in the men’s restroom followed by gunshots. The Velas were shot inside the bathroom; Pena was chased outside and shot, authorities said.