As I Lay Dying rocker Tim Lambesis arrested over 'plot to kill wife'

Tim Lambesis performs with As I Lay Dying. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

THE frontman of American metalcore band As I Lay Dying has been arrested for allegedly trying to enlist an undercover detective to murder his estranged wife.

Tim Lambesis was caught by San Diego police at a retail business in Oceanside in Southern California just days after he returned from an Asian tour.

Police had received a tip last Thursday that the 32-year-old frontman of the heavy metal rockers had solicited someone to kill his wife Meggan, who lives with their three adopted children.

Mrs Lambesis filed for divorce in September.

Several law agencies formed a taskforce to thwart the singer's alleged murder-for-hire plot.

According to the San Diego sheriff's office, he was arrested without incident at 2pm on Tuesday local time.

"The information came to us late last week. We acted quickly on it. I believe that we averted a great tragedy," a spokeswoman said.

As I Lay Dying is a Grammy nominated band which has toured Australia regularly, most recently in 2011 with Disturbed and Trivium.

While its members identify as Christians, Lambesis is believed to have left the faith last year, posting about his decision on his Tumblr.