A fugitive with a sleeve of skulls and flames is keeping federal marshals busy on San Antonio's West Side, and officials are asking neighbors to keep an eye out.
Authorities are looking for 38-year-old Jonathan Phil Vela, who is wanted on an active arrest warrant after investigators say he violated the terms of his supervised release. They are hoping his ink makes him stand out: a skull-and-flame sleeve on his left arm, an outline of Texas on his right arm, and the name “Keryana” tattooed across his chest.
Vela is described as 5 feet, 4 inches tall and about 150 pounds. Investigators list his last known location as the West Side of San Antonio. Federal officials say he was previously arrested by Texas Department of Public Safety troopers in Wilson County on drug and weapons charges and is now accused of violating the conditions of his supervised release. Anyone with information is urged to call the U.S. Marshals at 210-657-8500, according to WOAI.
How The Marshals Are Searching
The manhunt is being led by the U.S. Marshals' Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, a multi-agency unit that teams up with state and local officers to track down wanted suspects across Texas. The U.S. Marshals Service regularly publicizes task force operations and arrests around the state, highlighting how marshals often coordinate directly with local departments when they move in on fugitives, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
What He’s Accused Of
Federal court records show Vela was convicted in 2021 of possessing a firearm while committing a drug-trafficking offense and received a 60-month prison sentence. After serving that term, he was placed on three years of supervised release. Federal officials say his latest trouble stems from the Wilson County arrest that brought new possession and unlawful-carrying charges, which they say triggered the supervised-release violation, as reported by WOAI.
What To Do If You See Him
Authorities are clear on one thing: do not try to confront or detain Vela yourself. Members of the public who think they spot him are urged to report tips through official channels. The U.S. Marshals offer a secure web and mobile tip system and advise calling local 911 in an emergency. You can also contact the Marshals' San Antonio office tip line, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
