A Denver police officer, Brandon Ramos, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to wounding six innocent bystanders while firing at an armed man in 2022. The shooting incident, which occurred as bars were letting out, continues to haunt the victims. Ramos, 30, pleaded guilty to third-degree assault, a misdemeanor, and acknowledged his understanding of the charges. As a result of the conviction, Ramos is no longer eligible to serve as a police officer, although he remains on unpaid administrative leave while the Denver Police Department conducts a review of the shooting.
Under the terms of a plea deal, Ramos was sentenced to 18 months of probation, with the possibility of shortening the sentence upon request. The incident took place in Denver’s Lower Downtown neighborhood, near an MLB stadium, bars, and restaurants. Ramos, along with two other officers who were not charged, fired at Jordan Waddy after he pulled out a gun. The other officers were positioned in front of Waddy, with only a brick wall and a bar behind him. A grand jury determined that the other officers were justified in shooting at Waddy as they feared for their lives. However, Ramos, who shot Waddy from the side, was found to be in no immediate danger, as Waddy did not turn to face him. Ramos disregarded the risk his actions posed to the crowd of people behind Waddy.
The victims shared their harrowing experiences during the court proceedings. Angelica Rey, a teacher celebrating a work promotion, was shot in the leg and witnessed her blood flowing into the street. The injuries caused her to lose her job, although she was later rehired for fewer hours. Bailey Alexander, another victim, witnessed her boyfriend covered in her blood, leading her to avoid going out downtown. Yekalo Weldehiwet, whose fiance was shot right in front of him, expressed the difficulty of connecting due to their separate traumas from the incident.
Willis Small IV, who was struck in the foot by a bullet, expressed some dissatisfaction with Ramos’ sentence but was glad that accountability was being upheld. Judge Nikea Bland acknowledged the lasting impact on the victims’ lives and also recognized the consequences Ramos will face as he can no longer work as a police officer. Former mayor Michael Hancock questioned the grand jury’s decision to charge Ramos, while the police union pledged to support Ramos and suggested that the situation could have been avoided if Waddy had cooperated with the officers.
District Attorney Beth McCann also placed blame on Waddy, who has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit possession of a weapon by a previous offender. She expressed satisfaction that Waddy will be held accountable for his role in the events of that night. Ramos’ attorney, Lara Marks Baker, highlighted his commitment to public service and stated that Ramos had wanted to be a police officer since childhood. She emphasized Ramos’ desire to move forward and facilitate healing for all parties involved.
The shooting incident has raised concerns about the safety of the community and the actions of law enforcement officers. The plea deal and subsequent consequences for Ramos serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability within the police force. The victims, although impacted by the incident, hope to find healing and a sense of familiarity and safety in their surroundings once again.
