Thread: Feds issue warrant for CO illegal alien shooter

Tue 07/31/2007 10:01PM MST

Federal warrant issued for alleged Basalt triggerman

Authorities doubled the maximum reward Tuesday for information leading to the capture of two men involved in the shooting of a Glenwood Springs policeman.

The Garfield County Sheriff's Office, which is leading the investigation, also announced that investigators would like to talk with two individuals seen "riding" southbound on South Grand Avenue past Berthod Motors at 11:48 p.m. Sunday night or any motorists in that area between 11:40 p.m. and 11:55 p.m.

Sheriff's spokeswoman Tanny McGinnis declined to elaborate on the meaning of "riding," saying that the term was chosen carefully and that it is important to the investigation. She declined to comment on any other details of the case. McGinnis referred all questions to Glenwood Springs Police Chief Terry Wilson, who was not in his office Tuesday afternoon but is expected to return to work today.

An unidentified police officer was shot in the chest Sunday night but not seriously hurt thanks to his bulletproof vest. Police say the officer spotted two men walking near some businesses and storage areas south of the Glenwood Springs Airport at about 11 p.m. Sunday and repeatedly ordered them to stop. They kept going, but one turned and fired several shots at the officer. Police say the officer returned fire. It isn't clear whether either suspect was hit.

The men fled and are still being sought.

Callers can remain anonymous by calling 945-0101 and receive up to a $4,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of the suspects involved in the case. The payout had been a maximum of $2,000 but concerned citizens and local law enforcement doubled it, McGinnis said.

Federal warrant issued in Basalt case

Meanwhile, Basalt Police Chief Keith Ikeda said a federal warrant has been issued for the suspected triggerman in an unrelated shooting at a 7-Eleven store.

Ricardo Ramirez, 22, is wanted on charges of criminal attempt at first-degree assault and felony menacing for allegedly shooting out the windows of the 7-Eleven store in Basalt. Five shots were fired and they are believed to be connected to Ramirez's argument with store clerk Bruno Kirchenwitz, 54, about his U.S. Border Patrol cap earlier that night. Kirchenwitz, an outspoken critic of the nation's immigration problems, was not wearing the cap at the time.

Ikeda said the Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution for Ramirez and that the suspect's name has also been passed on to U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

"Our suspicion is he is not in this country legally," said Ikeda, adding that he was not certain of it.

Ramirez has immediate family members living in El Jebel, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs.

"We're not getting any cooperation from his family or friends," Ikeda said. Anyone with information that can assist police in the 7-Eleven shooting should call 927-4316.

http://www.aspendailynews.com/article_20969

"We're not getting any cooperation from his family or friends," Ikeda said

...why don't you arrest them for harboring and aiding and abbetting a fugitive AND check their immigration status.