Aurora police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a 24-year-old man wanted for first degree murder in connection with a Sept. 4 shooting on Aurora’s Near East side.

Efrain Salgado, whose last known address is in the 500 block of Oakwood Avenue, Aurora, is wanted for first-degree murder in the shooting death of Andres Ochoa, 31, of the 900 block of Solfisburg Avenue, Aurora.

At around 10:30 p.m., Sept. 4, Aurora police responded to a reported shooting in the 600 block of High Street and found Ochoa unconscious and not breathing. Upon investigation it was learned that both men had been attending a family gathering when a disturbance ensued. Sometime during that disturbance, a handgun was produced, and Salgado fired at Ochoa, striking him in his upper body.

Ochoa was taken to Presence Mercy Medical Center where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Aurora police secured the murder charge through the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office on Sept. 5 and a sealed arrest warrant was issued for Salgado. Despite an immense search, Salgado has not been located.

Salgado is a male Hispanic, 5 feet 9 inches, 180 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who may come in contact with him should not attempt to detain him. Rather, they should call 9-1-1 immediately.

Anyone who may have information on his whereabouts is urged to call Aurora Police Investigations at 630-256-5500 or Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000. Calls to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to his arrest. Tips can also be submitted through the Aurora Police Department’s “My P.D.” app available through iTunes, the Android Market, or Amazon App Store. Simply search for “My Police Department,” find the Aurora Police, and download.

The charges against Salgado are not proof of guilt. Salgado is all presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

SOURCE: Aurora Police Department news release