The most wanted murder suspect is found as a police officer after 20 years on the run

A man who appeared on a television show America's most wanted criminal has hidden himself in a highly surprising profession for about 20 years.

Antonio “El Diablo” Riano, 62, pleaded not guilty in Butler County District Court earlier this month after he was finally arrested after decades on the run.

Riano appeared on a television show America's most wanted criminal in 2005 for his alleged involvement in a shooting outside an Ohio bar in December 2004.

In one incident, 25-year-old Benjamin Becarra died. The victim's body was found with a gunshot wound to the face in front of the Roadhouse Bar in Hamilton, Ohio.

Antonio “El Diablo” Riano is said to have been on the run since 2005 (Butler County Jail)

Following his arrest on August 1, Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Oster Jr. ordered no bail set for Riano, meaning he will remain in the Butler County Jail.

The Mexican national was tracked down by authorities in his hometown of Zapotitlán Palmas in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, where investigators discovered that he was working as a local police officer.

A move that, under the circumstances, can be seen as either well-considered and careful or bold and courageous.

In 2004, Riano was already involved in a fight in the bar where the shooting took place, according to an interview with lead prosecutor Paul Newton.

According to Newton, Riano returned to the bar on December 19 and was asked by the bartender to leave, but he refused.

An argument quickly broke out between Riano and Becerra, and the bartender ordered the two to argue outside. Moments later, Becerra was shot in the face and found lying face down while Riano fled the scene.

Antonio “El Diablo” Riano has pleaded not guilty to a 2004 murder (Fox 19)

Police were able to identify Riano based on surveillance camera footage from the bar and witness statements.

The gun used in the shooting was found ten days later hidden in a secret compartment under the kitchen floor of Riano's home in Hamilton.

On February 16, 2005, Riano was scheduled to appear for his arraignment after being charged with first-degree murder, but he never showed up.

The manhunt for the suspect then began.

After Riano's arrest, Butler County District Attorney Michael T. Gmoser praised the officers and investigators involved in catching the fugitive.

He said: “This type of arrest would not have been possible without the cooperation and diligence of investigators from the Attorney General's Office, the U.S. Marshal Service and the U.S. Department of Justice.”

Riano is due back in court later this month.