TRAFFIC STOP FOR PASSING ON DOUBLE YELLOW NETS 2007 FORT LAUDERDALE HOMICIDE SUSPECT
February 27, 2023
WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A traffic stop for passing on double yellow lines leads to the arrest of a wanted suspect from a 2007 homicide in south Florida.
Just before 6 pm Sunday, February 26th, a Walton County Sheriff’s Deputy patrolling northbound County Road 393 N witnessed a white Nissan Altima pass another vehicle on a double yellow line.
A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver identified himself as Jose Wilson Padilla-Padilla, 41. During the stop, dispatch notified the deputy Padilla had a warrant out of Broward County for First Degree Murder from a Fort Lauderdale homicide under the alias Wilson “El Tigre” Padilla-Diaz.
Padilla’s wife came to the scene to take possession of the vehicle and said the two met in Mexico 12 years ago and had been living in Santa Rosa Beach less than a year.
Padilla was placed under arrest on the out-of-county warrant, for driving without a license (never issued). He was transported and booked into the Walton County Jail and is awaiting extradition to Broward County. In addition, an active ICE detainer was placed on Padilla that will carry over into his extradition.
Please direct any questions regarding the homicide to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.