On April 3, 2020, a local arrest warrant was issued for Cardenas in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County after he was charged with murder. Detectives and prosecutors allege that Cardenas fired several rounds from a semi-automatic handgun at the victim, striking him in the head and causing his death. The incident occurred on August 15, 2019, at the Hair Icon Barber Shop, located in a small shopping center in the Sylmar area. It is unknown whether the victim was known to Cardenas. 

Detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department requested assistance from the Fugitive Task Force once they determined that Cardenas had fled the jurisdiction. A federal arrest warrant from the United States District Court in the Central District of California (Los Angeles) was issued for Cardenas on September 2, 2021, after he was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. 

“Omar Alexander Cardenas is an alleged gang member and should be considered a danger to those with whom he comes into contact,” said Amir Ehsaei, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI’s Fugitive Task Force, which partners with the Los Angeles Police Department, seeks and apprehends violent fugitives on a daily basis and I’m confident that it’s just a matter of time before they catch up with Omar Cardenas. His addition to the list of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives will only amplify the efforts by the task force and enable them to partner with the public.” 

Cardenas is allegedly a member of the “Pierce Street” gang and may associate with the street gang known as “Pacoima Van Nuys Boys - Anybody Killas.” Cardenas has gone by the nickname “Dollar.” 

“Jabali Dumas was gunned down by Omar Cardenas nearly three years ago, and there is still no justice for him or his family,” said Chief Michel Moore of the Los Angeles Police Department. “This murder occurred in a strip mall, where people come to shop and engage with their neighbors at the barber shop, impacting an entire community. I want to thank our partners at the FBI for adding this murder to their Top 10 Most Wanted list, bringing awareness to the violence committed by Omar Cardenas and to prevent this murderer from harming anyone else. Senseless acts of violence, particularly gun violence like this, needs to stop and we need the public’s help.” 

Cardenas is between 5'6" and 5'7" . At the time he fled, Cardenas weighed approximately 240 to 300 pounds and had dark brown hair and a beard. Investigators believe that Cardenas may vary the style of his hair, including facial hair, and his weight may fluctuate. He is known to wear prescription glasses but may alternate his vision correction by using contact lenses. 

The FBI urges anyone with information as to Cardenas’ whereabouts to call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI,” (1-800-225-5324) or their local FBI office. In the case of international tips, anyone with information should contact the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. Anyone with information may also submit a tip online by visiting tips.fbi.gov. 

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading directly to the arrest of Omar Alexander Cardenas. Confidentiality will be granted to anyone who calls with information and callers may choose to remain anonymous. 

Investigators believe that Cardenas may have fled south of the border to Mexico but have not ruled out his possible presence in the United States. Cardenas has family members and/or associates in Los Angeles and the surrounding counties, as well as in Mexico. Investigators believe that Cardenas may be employed as a construction worker, as he has been known to work in that field in the past. 

Omar Alexander Cardenas is further described as follows: 

• Date of birth: March 23, 1995
• Hair: Dark brown, may wear a beard 
• Eyes: Brown 
• Height: 5'6" to 5'7" 
• Weight: 240 to 300 pounds (may vary) 
• Nationality: American 
• Place of birth: California 
• Moniker: “Dollar” 

Photos and reward information about Cardenas will be seen on donated digital billboard space in southern California and on purchased Facebook advertisements, as well as at fbi.gov, and on the FBI’s social media platforms.

The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list was established in March 1950. Since its inception, 528 fugitives have been placed on the list of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, 492 of whom were apprehended or located; 163 were as a result of citizen cooperation.