Above: Ivan Ortiz Ramirez
Photo credit: Kern County District Attorney’s Office
A Kern County man has been convicted in connection with the shooting of an occupied vehicle that left a teenager paralyzed.
In a press release, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office announced that a jury has convicted Ivan Ortiz Ramirez of shooting at an occupied vehicle, assault with a firearm, and battery causing serious bodily injury.
The shooting took place on May 14. An 18-year-old was driving on South Chester Avenue in Bakersfield, with the 17-year-old victim in the passenger seat, when they passed Ortiz Ramirez, who was parked on the side of the road and standing by the driver’s side door.
As the vehicle drove by, Ortiz Ramirez drew a firearm and fired two rounds, one of which struck the victim in the neck.
The victim is now a quadriplegic as a result of his injury, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
“A terrible decision resulted in a life-changing event for both the defendant and the victim,” District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said. “Using a firearm in pursuit of revenge is never the answer.”
Ortiz Ramirez’s sentencing date is July 23. He faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
