May 1, 2026
Madera, Cali. – On April 30, 2026, Washington State Patrol (WSP) detectives, assisted by the Madera Police Department, arrested a longtime fugitive in Madera, California.
Manuel Cortez-Vargas, 33, was placed on the WSP Most Wanted list in 2012 after failing to appear in court on a hit and run-fatality charge. The charge stems from a rollover collision in which Cameron Sheridan was tragically killed at just 19-years old.
Over the past several weeks, WSP detectives developed credible information regarding Cortez-Vargas’ whereabouts and worked in close coordination with detectives from the Madera Police Department to safely apprehend him.
Cortez-Vargas was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Madera County Jail, where he will face extradition to Skagit County to continue court proceedings related to the original charge.
“This arrest shows our commitment to public safety and justice. After 14 years on WSP’s Most Wanted list, this individual is now in custody. We do not forget, and we do not stop. Our troopers will continue to find and hold offenders accountable,” said Chief John R. Batiste of the Washington State Patrol.
The Washington State Patrol thanks the Madera Police Department for their assistance in apprehending Cortez-Vargas and helping bring a measure of justice to the Sheridan family.
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Release sent by Sergeant Jermaine Walker, Public Information Officer