GANG MEMBER WANTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER CAPTURED

INDIO, CA - A known gang member and one of Riverside County's Most Wanted fugitives who was wanted for attempted murder has been arrested by United States Border Patrol agents in Yuma, AZ. Jesus Ernesto Ramirez Gamez, 28, was arrested on April 14th while trying to illegally reenter the country via the Colorado River. Riverside County sheriff's investigators learned of his captured and contacted federal authorities.

"We are prepared to do all within our power to bring criminals to justice, even if they leave the state," said Riverside County District Attorney Rod Pacheco. "This capture reaffirms that resolve."

On June 26, 2008, Gamez and his victim went to a market in Thermal. After leaving the market, Gamez drove down a dirt road and parked next to a reservoir. Once parked, Gamez told the victim that his car had broken down. Soon thereafter, a lightcolored Lincoln sedan arrived and parked behind their vehicle. Gamez approached two men inside the Lincoln and had a conversation with them. When Gamez returned to the victim, he pulled out a handgun and demanded the victim turn over all of his money. After the victim handed Gamez his wallet, Gamez opened fire. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen, but survived. Gamez fled the scene and was not apprehended.

Gamez was named to the Riverside County's Most Wanted fugitive list on August 28, 2008. Gamez is currently being held in federal custody on federal violations. The Riverside County District Attorney's Office placed a hold on Gamez after notifying federal authorities of his outstanding Riverside County warrant. Gamez will be returned to Riverside County to be held accountable for this crime upon the conclusion of his federal criminal case in Arizona.

Gamez is the eleventh fugitive to be removed from the Riverside County Most Wanted fugitive list since the program began in February 2008.