A Dallas man was shot four times while walking his dog in the Pleasant Grove area late Monday night after an unfamiliar man allegedly confronted him and asked if he “wanted to die,” police said.
Dallas police arrested 18-year-old David Gabriel Ramirez in connection with the shooting. He is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and remains in the Dallas County Jail without bond.
Shooting Reported in Pleasant Grove
Officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 1900 block of North Prairie Creek Road at about 10:48 p.m. on Monday.
Police found the victim, identified as Joshua Painter, suffering from a gunshot wound to his leg. Investigators said the man was walking his dog when he was approached by a stranger who produced a handgun and confronted him.
The victim attempted to run away, but the suspect fired multiple shots, striking him four times, according to police. The shooter then fled.
Investigators recovered 15 shell casings at the scene and said the shooting appeared to have been unprovoked.
The victim could be heard saying at the scene, “He asked me if I wanted to die today,” Fox 4 KDFW reported.
Suspect Arrested Near Crime Scene
According to Ramirez’s arrest report, officers were establishing a crime scene when they saw him walking nearby. Police said he was “sweating profusely,” appeared to have been running, and matched the description of the suspected shooter.
Investigators also spoke with witnesses who said Ramirez had been drinking before the shooting and became “extremely hostile” toward people at a home in the 1200 block of McGregor Street.
Witnesses said they became concerned about his behavior and temporarily took his handgun, described as a black Glock with an extended magazine. Ramirez reportedly left the home before returning and claiming someone had attempted to rob him.
According to the arrest report, Ramirez threatened to break the windows of the home, prompting the witnesses to return his gun.
Witness Describes Gunfire
A nearby resident said he initially heard six gunshots, followed by additional shots.
“Opened my blinds, I saw the sparks on the gun going off,” the witness said, per Fox 4.
The shooting occurred near W.W. Samuell High School, where police were seen canvassing the area for evidence Tuesday night.
The witness said he sometimes walks around the school late in the day.
“Pretty weird for that to happen,” he said.
Victim Remains Hospitalized
The victim remained hospitalized following the shooting. His dog was taken to Dallas Animal Services.
Ramirez remains jailed on the aggravated assault charge, and no bond has been set.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Dallas Police Department.