JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. -- Jacksonville Beach Police said a person of interest in the shooting death of a former firefighter has been located.
A news release said Charles Pearce was captured and detained by law enforcement authorities in Yuma, Arizona early Sunday morning.
Police said Pearce is a person of interest in the death of 42-year-old Michael McCue.
Family members said McCue was randomly shot in the head while gardening at home in Jacksonville Beach almost two weeks ago.
A memorial for McCue held on Saturday drew more than 1,600 mourners in Jacksonville Beach.
McCue's family friend Randy Nader said the arrest helps the family find peace one day after hosting the memorial.
Sgt. R. Russom with the Yuma County Sheriff's Office said the U.S. Border Patrol agents found Pearce sleeping in a van on Interstate 8 around 2 a.m.
Russom said agents ran a warrant check and found he was wanted in Jacksonville Beach. Russom added that Pearce was taken into custody without incident, but that a rifle and a knife were found in his possession.
Russom said Pearce is being held on no bond and is awaiting extradition to Florida.
Nader tells First Coast News that members of the Jacksonville Beach Police are enroute to Yuma County.
Jacksonville Beach Police are not making further comments on the investigation.
Nader said immediate family members have been asked by U.S. Marshals not to comment on the case publicly for now.