Police capture Quincy man wanted for shooting
Man detained while crossing Mexican border
EPHRATA - Law enforcement jailed a Quincy man wanted for assault in the first degree during a drive-by shooting in Royal City on Feb. 27, 2007.
Jose Alberto Ramos, 26, was booked into Grant County Jail Friday for warrants concerning assault in the first degree during a drive-by shooting, DUI, possession of a dangerous weapon, for not having a valid driver's license and criminal trespassing in the second degree.
Law enforcement detained Ramos at the Mexico/United States border as he was attempting to enter the United States, Grant County Undersheriff John Turley said. He was identified and his warrants were confirmed by the border patrol.
Ramos was transported to San Diego, Calif., where Grant County detectives took him into custody and brought him to jail in Ephrata.
On Feb. 27, 2007, Ramos and four others allegedly drove from Othello to Royal City with the intent of doing a drive-by shooting to harm someone they are rivals with, Turley said. They reportedly had loaded guns in the vehicle and shot at a residence.
"They basically shot the hell out of a house and accidentally shot one of their own," he said.
Ramos reportedly shot a 26-year-old man in the back of the head. The shooting victim was also involved with the drive-by shooting. The four men reportedly pulled the shooting victim into the vehicle and fled toward Othello.
The shooting victim was taken to Kadlec Hospital in Richland, Wash., for treatment. His initial condition was critical and fragments of the bullet were lodged in his skull.
Abel Torres Adame, Othello, was taken into custody as a material witness and allegedly drove the vehicle involved in the drive-by shooting. He was 20 years old at the time.
Luis Miguel Cerna, Othello, was arrested for assault in the first degree for a drive-by shooting. He was 20 years old at the time of the shooting.
In Grant County Superior Court Cerna was sentenced to 180 days in jail for the incident but 105 days were suspended from the sentence, Turley said.
Jorge Roman Jr., Othello, was arrested for assault in the first degree with a deadly weapon during a drive-by shooting. In superior court he was sentenced to 200 days in jail but 145 days of the sentence were suspended, Turley said.
The undersheriff said the sentences were reduced due to judicial discretion.
The maximum number of days is determined by how many points are accumulated by the suspect, he said. Cerna could have served 180 days in jail and Roman could have served 200 days in jail if the judge gave them the maximum sentences allotted by the number of points they each accumulated.
Turley said they have accumulated points for the number of crimes they've committed and for the severity of crimes. Each suspect is a repeat criminal offender.
"Until we get the judiciary on board to give these guys maximum sentences we are going to have these issues forever and ever and it's not law enforcement's fault," he said. "Law enforcement catches these guys. We do a damn good job and then when they get to the judiciary side of this, they reduce their sentences. They don't have to do that … especially when it's gang-related. They should hold the feet to the fire of these people involved."