EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — An alleged former gang member lost consciousness after being attacked by other alleged gang members for refusing to shoot at a bar in East El Paso, according to court documents obtained by KTSM 9 News.
On June 17, officers with the El Paso Police Department conducted a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, officers conducted a warrant check and determined the driver, later identified as 24-year-old Ricky Ramirez, was confirmed to be a member of the “38 Hood” criminal street gang.
Officers asked Ramirez if he was still affiliated with the group, but he stated he was no longer a part of the group after “being assaulted and beaten with firearms by other gang members,” according to the affidavit.
Ramirez told officers that he suffered serious injuries and filed a report with the Socorro Police Department. He was then arrested for active criminal warrants and taken to the Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) Center.
While at the center, Ramirez told officers that he was a member of the 38 Hood group but began “experiencing problems” with other members, including the two leaders of the gang, read court documents.
Ramirez claimed the issues began when the group’s leaders instructed him to conduct a “mission” and shoot a bar in East El Paso called Rock City. Ramirez refused and told the leaders he would not do that.
The leaders then began calling Ramirez a “b***h,” and their friendship deteriorated from that point forward, according to the affidavit.
On May 24, Ramirez was heading to one of the members’ houses for a bonfire. Ramirez claimed that one of the leaders and four other members — one identified as 19-year-old Roberto Cardona — were already at the residence. The other group leader met with all the members later.
Once the second leader arrived at the residence, he started to talk with the other members, and Ramirez attempted to start the bonfire, read the court documents.
While bent down, Ramirez said he was punched in the back of the head by a member. He fell to the group and the other members, including Cardona and one of the leaders, began punching and kicking him while he was on the ground, the affidavit read.
Ramirez told officers that he felt people “striking him in the head with a firearm,” but was unable to identify who had the gun.
Eventually, Ramirez said he lost consciousness. When he regained consciousness, he attempted to flee the area.
As Ramirez was running away, he said the gate had been locked “to prevent his escape.” Cardona chased after Ramirez with a handgun that was equipped with a “weapon-mounted light,” according to court documents.
Cardona pointed the gun at Ramirez, saying, “Who’s a p***y?” and “Who’s a snitch?” Ramirez stated he was able to jump over the gate and fled the area.
Ramirez then sought medical treatment at a hospital, where he was diagnosed with a broken nose, a concussion and multiple lacerations to his lip and head, read the affidavit.
“(Ramirez) stated he was in fear for his life and wishes to pursue prosecution,” according to court documents.
In the affidavit, Ramirez provided officers with nicknames and social media account names of all individuals involved. Additionally, it was noted that officers had prior knowledge with Cardona, the members and the leaders, which were all confirmed members of the 38 Hood criminal street gang.
“(Officer) further believes that the offense was carried out with the intent to establish, maintain or participate in a criminal combination and/or as members or associates of a criminal street gang through the commission of organized criminal activity,” according to court documents.
Jail records revealed that Cardona was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on Tuesday, July 28. He was charged with use/exhibit of a deadly weapon with a $25,000 bond.
As of this report, Cardona has not been released from jail.
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