The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Fox 5 San Diego, partners in the innovative television show “San Diego’s Most Wanted: The FBI Files”, announced a milestone event- the capture of the 100th profiled fugitive. The weekly TV show profiles wanted criminals and seeks the public’s aid to indentify and help catch fugitives in the San Diego and Southern California area. Launched in July, 2010, “San Diego’s Most Wanted” has featured hundreds of wanted fugitives. With the help of a watchful public and the hard work of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, to date 100 profiled fugitives shown on the TV show are now off the streets.

This unique crime fighting TV show is the only one in America to have the full support, cooperation and resources of The FBI as a producing partner. Broadcast on Fox 5 San Diego, “San Diego’s Most Wanted” airs Saturday nights at 7:30 pm just before the Fox Network prime time show “COPS”. “Most Wanted” also airs an encore episode Sunday nights at 11:00 pm after the “Fox 5 News at Ten”. In addition to the 100 fugitives captured to date, the FBI has paid thousands of dollars in reward money to viewers who provided tips leading to arrests.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Keith Slotter commented, “On behalf of the men and women of the FBI and our partner agencies we are grateful to have such an involved community supporting our efforts. Bringing this many fugitives to justice in such a short period of time is extraordinary. Law enforcement personnel in San Diego work together like no other team in the country. They work diligently investigating a variety of crimes in order to ensure a safer San Diego. Regardless of all their efforts, however, this 100th capture of “San Diego’s Most Wanted” would not have been possible without the commitment from FOX 5, and most certainly without the viewing public who is also concerned with safety and welfare within our community. To all of our viewers and tipsters, we could not have done it without you. Thank you, San Diego.”

“We are immensely proud to be working alongside the FBI and area law enforcement in serving our community with “San Diego’s Most Wanted”, said Ray Schonbak, vice president and general manager of Fox 5 San Diego. “The beauty of this show is it uses our platform as Fox TV station to help empower the public in the fight against crime. Together with the viewers we are making our cities safer, bad guys are off the streets and we are assisting law enforcement to do their jobs. Think about it, 100 criminals are now behind bars because this show helped to publicize their crimes. That is a huge public benefit and it makes everyone at Fox 5 San Diego proud.”

Hosted by FBI Special Agent in Charge Keith Slotter and co-hosted by reporter Lynn Stuart, “San Diego’s Most Wanted” is modeled on the very successful TV show “America’s Most Wanted” hosted by John Walsh, and each week profiles dangerous fugitives wanted by law enforcement agencies. A special FBI run toll-free hotline allows viewers to call in tips. Callers can remain completely anonymous and have their identities kept absolutely secret. Through this unique partnership, Fox 5 San Diego, the FBI and area law enforcement have worked together to make San Diego County a safer community for everyone.

Featuring pictures and physical descriptions of fugitives, surveillance images, accounts of their crimes, plus interviews with law enforcement and behind-the-scenes feature stories, the show asks for public tips to help identify and catch dangerous fugitives. “Most Wanted” has traveled to Washington D.C., Quantico, VA, Dallas, TX, Washington State and beyond to cover cases and stories, and has featured numerous interviews with law enforcement leaders, infamous criminals and historical newsmakers. These special features have included stories and interviews with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, John Walsh host of “America’s Most Wanted”, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a made member of the Mexican Mafia, white-collar scammers, the sole interrogator of deposed leader Saddam Hussein, SWAT operations, Dive Team tactics, Mexican drug scams, arson investigators, victim rights activists, undercover internet predators, bomb squads and the lead investigator in the Lee Harvey Oswald/President Kennedy assassination and many others..   

The show profiles fugitives wanted by The FBI, DEA, local police, sheriffs, marshals and other law enforcement agencies. The anonymous hotline number is 1-877-EZ-2-TELL, and is staffed by FBI personnel. Up to $1000 dollars in reward money is offered by the FBI itself for public tips leading to arrests of wanted fugitives.

Viewers can access past broadcasts of “San Diego’s Most Wanted” at www.fox5sandiego.com and stream them on their computer. The show also has a Facebook page dedicated to interacting with viewers, taking comments and feedback and promoting future broadcasts.