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Man accused in near 25-year-old cold case arrested crossing border

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It's been nearly 25 years since the death of Ramon Gardea in Bakersfield. On Tuesday, the man accused in his death was taken into custody crossing into the United States from Mexico.

According to Bakersfield Police, 48-year-old Armando Lujan was arrested Tuesday by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's office in Arizona. Lujan was attempting to enter the U.S. through Nogales, Arizona.

BPD says Lujan was wanted in connection with the death of Ramon Gardea in 1995. Police say after an altercation at a family gathering, Lujan "intentionally struck Gardea with is vehilce as he was in the 800 block of East Brundage Lane." Gardea died from his injuries.

BPD is now looking for anyone who may have information on the case, including those who were contacted during the original investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call BPD at 326-3275 or 327-7111.

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